Gulu ecclesiastical province led by Gulu archdiocese is hosting the 2025 National Youth Conference at Sacred Heart Secondary School located close to the Cathedral of St. Joseph’s in Gulu.
The conference which kicked off on Tuesday the 9th of December, shall be concluded on Sunday the 14th under the theme: ‘You also are my witnesses, because you have been with me’, (Jn 15: 27).
This annual event instituted in 1993, by the Catholic Bishops’ conference of Uganda brings together over ten thousand young people from across the nineteen dioceses of Uganda and beyond to reflect on their faith and help to bring new life in the youth apostolate ministry. It also equips young people with skills that help empower them socially and financially as the church prepares them to become responsible citizens of this country.
The Bishop’s conference derived the idea from the World Youth Day Cerebrations initiated by Pope John Paul II (now a saint) in 1984.
The ordinary of Nebbi Catholic Diocese, Rt. Rev. Constantine Rupiny led the opening mass on Tuesday afternoon.
Among the topics to be covered in this year’s conference is a presentation about St. Carlo Acutis, an Italian youth who was canonised recently by his holiness, Pope Leo XIV.
Young people will also be equipped with knowledge on protecting the environment, based on late pope Francis’ famous letter, ‘Laudato Si’.
Youth chaplains from the different dioceses shall also have time to engage the young people in a question and answer session, both in general knowledge and their faith.
Young people will also have time to showcase their talents through competitions in different games.
This year’s conference is unique as it takes place during the Jubilee year of pilgrims of hope.
Last year’s National Youth Conference, that attracted over sixteen thousand participants, took place in Hoima diocese that is under the ecclesiastical province of Mbarara.
On Saturday the 13th of December the President Yoweri Museveni is expected to grace the event as the guest of honor and will also hand over the national youth conference icon to the next host province.
By Florence Nangendo
09th Dec 2025
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