Written by Samson Baranga
huge crowd of youths turned up on Friday at Mandela National stadium, Namboole for the first edition of Version 86, a youth-focused gathering sharing success stories to inspire others.
Miracle Centre cathedral, Lubaga, organized the event. Many had to bear the morning rain to attend the event, while others were bused from different parts of the country.
Guest speaker Jackie Parker from the USA joined Parliament speaker Rebecca Kadaga, UNRA executive director Allen Kagina, designer Sylvia Owori, host pastor Robert Kayanja and the main speaker President Museveni to inspire this generation to use their youthful years to be productive.
The speakers shared stories of how they started out and how they managed to get where they are.
Museveni cautioned the youth to take good care of their health by avoiding smoking and vices that can lead to getting infected with HIV/Aids.
He shared the story of his first taste of alcohol at Ankole hotel in 1966 and how he realised it was not worth it. He further called upon them to look at commercial farming, ICT, and the service industry as ways to generate income and employment.
However, it was not all talk. As plenty of drinks and food flowed, a second stage set up by Steve Jean’s Fenon was reserved for the entertainment.
First was a fashion show by Sylvia Owori who showcased her latest collection and announced she would train 100 young people in fashion designing and modeling.
There were also performances from G Way, Jeremiah, Holy Keane Amooti, Mafuta, Sachi Basaci and Pastor Wilson Bugembe, among others.
Holy Keane used the chance to unleash his latest song Anatupenda, featuring Kenya’s Mbote.
The event was attended by people from all walks of life, including politicians and some from the entertainment scene such as Moses Golola, Mun G, Rema, and Nutty Neithan, among others.
The event went on until Saturday morning.
FRENCH VERSION
