This was no ordinary meeting. It was the Global Fund Youth Constituency Engagement, a one-day gathering powered by UNYPA, the Uganda Network of Young People Living with HIV/AIDS. For over 20 years, UNYPA has championed one bold idea: young people must shape the policies that shape their lives. The morning air in Lira City was vibrant as young leaders gathered at the Gracious Hotel, dressed in stylish urban attire, each with their own distinctive look, but all united by the same cause: to lead the fight against HIV, TB, and Malaria.

Inside the buzzing hall, the conversation was raw and real. Miss Ruth Akullu, Youth Representative on the Global Fund board, dropped the hard facts:

• Uganda still reports millions of malaria cases, with 276,000 in Lango alone in just three months.
• TB hits hardest between the ages of 15 and 34, the very heart of youth.
• And more than 150,000 young Ugandans live with HIV, with 11,000 new infections among adolescent girls and young women in a single year.

“These aren’t just numbers,” Ruth said. “They’re our friends, our siblings. We are the statistics, so we must be the solution.”

Microphones flew from hand to hand as youth set their own priorities for the next Global Fund grant cycle: volunteers in clinics, school outreaches to end stigma, sign language interpreters, community testing, radio talk shows, and peer counselling. Every idea was bold. Every voice counted.

City leaders didn’t just watch, but they listened. Mr Okello Robert Ayo, the Town Clerk, saluted the young crowd: “Whether you are positive or not, this fight is everyone’s story. Engage. Learn. Lead.” Dr Hillary Okello added good news: Lira’s HIV prevalence has dropped by 3%, thanks to youth activism and relentless community action.

By sunset, the scoreboard was clear: 36 onsite and 92 online participants, fearless dialogue, and fresh commitments to keep youth at the policy table. The call was loud: more training for peer educators, stronger resource mobilisation, and zero tolerance for stigma in health facilities.

The vibe as people spilt into the evening streets? Pure determination. Young people aren’t waiting for tomorrow, but they’re leading today.

“We’re not the leaders of the future,” one participant said with a grin. “We’re the leaders right now.”

In Lira City, that truth rang loud. And the world is listening.