Assistant Commissioner of Youth and Children Affairs, Kyateka Mondo, addressed the participants in the official opening ceremony of GYPA's July immersion in Uganda. After extending a warm welcome to all American and Ugandan participants, Mondo presented various critical issues affecting the youth throughout the country and offered specific details concerning education, health and poverty. Among these he emphasized the fact that 60% of children in Uganda drop out of school before completing their primary education and that 320 Ugandans die of malaria every day.

Mondo expressed his belief that everyone has a specific assignment on Earth. He encouraged participants to live a life of purpose and emphasized the importance of self-awareness in order to find one’s mission in life. Finally, he thanked all the participants for choosing to partake in a program that dealt with youth, development and peace-building in a war affected country.

The Assistant Commissioner concluded his presentation by commenting on the powerful role youth will have in the future of Uganda. He asked participants to remain hopeful as the Juba peace talks continue and to keep on building partnerships that will lead to the creation of a stronger and united Uganda.