Teen Entrepreneur Petitions Parliament to Fund Community Organisations

KAMPALA — A 16-year-old student and budding entrepreneur, Martin Luther Nyanzi, has petitioned the Parliament of Uganda seeking legislation that would allow the government to financially support community-based organisations (CBOs) and local non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

Nyanzi, a student at Kisozi High School, argues that grassroots organisations play an important role in delivering services that complement government programmes, particularly in areas such as education, healthcare, youth empowerment and community development.

In his petition, he proposes the creation of a legal framework that would enable Parliament to allocate funding directly to registered community organisations to strengthen their operations and ensure sustainability.

Funding challenges

The proposal comes at a time when many NGOs and CBOs in Uganda are facing financial difficulties following the withdrawal or reduction of donor funding.

Nyanzi cites the suspension of support from the Democratic Governance Facility and reduced assistance from the United States Agency for International Development as examples of developments that have affected the operations of several grassroots organisations.

He says many organisations that previously provided critical services to communities have been forced to scale down their activities due to financial constraints.

“Community organisations play a crucial role in supporting vulnerable populations, yet many are struggling because of declining funding,” Nyanzi said.

He believes government support could help bridge the funding gap and ensure that these organisations continue serving communities.

Engagement with legislators

To advance the proposal, Nyanzi has engaged several leaders in Parliament.

He recently met Thomas Tayebwa and has also received support from Elias Luyimbazi Nalukoola, who has indicated willingness to present the proposal as a Private Member’s Bill.

However, Nalukoola noted that the proposal would require careful scrutiny to ensure it aligns with the country’s existing regulatory framework governing NGOs.

Young entrepreneur

Born on December 5, 2009, in Kampala, Nyanzi is the son of businessman Simon Ssekaayi and author Joan Vumilia.He completed his primary education at MK International School before joining Kisozi High School for his secondary studies.

Nyanzi developed an interest in media at the age of 13 when he launched Block FM, an internet-based radio station aimed at providing a platform for young people.

He currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of APEX Media Services, an organisation involved in digital media production and youth digital skills training.

Through The Block Foundation, he also runs programmes that provide digital literacy training and employment opportunities to young people.

Youth participationObservers say Nyanzi’s petition represents a growing trend of youth participation in national policy discussions.

The teenager says his long-term ambition is to build a major media company in Uganda while empowering young innovators across the country.