By Daniel Mugula
14 Nov 2026
KAMPALA, Uganda – The Archdiocese of Kampala has stepped up preparations for the 2026 National Catholic Youth Convention, with nearly 600 young people recruited and trained as volunteers to support the week-long event scheduled for December 7–12 at the Youth Education and Skills (YES) Centre in Kampala.
The volunteers, drawn from different parishes, professions and communities within and beyond the Archdiocese, will support key areas including registration, ushering, accommodation, catering, security, health services and general coordination to ensure a smooth experience for thousands of expected participants.
Speaking during the first volunteer training session held at YES Centre on November 14, the Archdiocese’s Director and Coordinator of Youth Activities, Fr. Joseph Mary Ssebunya, said preparations had reached their final stages, with the focus shifting to mobilising and organising human resources.
He described the convention as an event organised by young people for young people, noting that volunteers would play a central role in welcoming and assisting delegates from across Uganda and beyond.
Ssebunya said the convention would offer more than spiritual talks, with participants also expected to benefit from free medical services, counselling, mental health support, eye screening and agricultural guidance.
He revealed that major hospitals, including Nsambya, Rubaga, Kisubi and Nkozi, had offered to provide medical personnel and services during the convention. Specialists will be available to offer consultations, while participants will also have access to free eye examinations.
Other services will include guidance from the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) on national identity card registration challenges, as well as tax education and advisory services from the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA).
The convention will also provide counselling and psychosocial support through more than 50 volunteers, including professionals available to assist young people experiencing emotional, psychological and spiritual challenges.
Fr. Kambagira Alexander, head of the convention’s secretariat, said the November 13 gathering was organised to train volunteers on how to receive, guide and coordinate delegates throughout the event.
He said preparations began in May and had made significant progress, with registration numbers steadily increasing.
Kambagira urged all prospective participants to complete digital registration in advance to enable organisers to plan adequately for accommodation, meals and other essential services.
He said registration can be accessed by searching for NYC at KEA 2026 on Google and following the available online registration process.
Emmanuel Serwadda, a member of the National Youth Convention Organising Committee, said nearly 600 volunteers had attended the initial training, with additional sessions planned in different parishes to strengthen coordination in areas such as health, accommodation and security.
He explained that the convention would use a digital registration and verification system, under which delegates will be scanned when accessing meals, accommodation and the main venue.
Serwadda said the system would help organisers manage the expected numbers, improve accountability and ensure that services are provided according to the number of registered participants.
Meanwhile, Assistant Kampala Archdiocese Youth Chaplain Fr. Vincent Mawejje called on young people from across Uganda and abroad to attend, assuring parents and guardians that arrangements were being made to provide a safe and welcoming environment.
He encouraged young people, regardless of their backgrounds or geographical locations, to participate in the convention and take advantage of the spiritual, educational and social opportunities.
On security, Nsambya Police Station Officer in Charge ASP Joan Nabukeera assured participants that police and other security agencies would be deployed throughout the convention venues and accommodation facilities.
She said security personnel would conduct patrols and work with the church’s organising teams to maintain order, protect delegates and manage traffic.
Nabukeera also urged participants to remain vigilant, safeguard their personal belongings, observe public safety guidelines and report any security concerns to the nearest police officer.
She cautioned young people against engaging in confrontations with security personnel and encouraged them to cooperate with law enforcement officers throughout the event.
One of the volunteers, Esther Nyanameri from Nabingo Parish, invited young people who wish to attend to register through their respective parish youth leaders.
She said the participation fee is Shs20,000, adding that the convention would provide an opportunity for young people to interact with fellow Catholics from different parts of Uganda and other countries, including Kenya, Rwanda, the United Kingdom and the United States.
The National Catholic Youth Convention is a major gathering organised under the Uganda Episcopal Conference, bringing together young Catholics from dioceses across the country for prayer, fellowship, learning and social interaction.
The event is hosted by different dioceses on a rotational basis. Kampala Archdiocese is hosting the 2026 edition, which is expected to attract young people, Church leaders, clergy, religious personnel and other invited guests.
Organisers say the December gathering will combine spiritual activities with practical opportunities in health, agriculture, entrepreneurship, counselling and youth development, under the theme of strengthening young people’s participation in the Church and society.
