Makindye mayor irked by attitude of complaining

By Francis Emorut                                                   

The Mayor of Makindye urban authority in Kampala, Dr. Ian Clarke, has rapped Ugandans for complaining a lot instead of “thinking positively on what they can do to develop the country”.

“Ugandans like complaining and blaming government all the time,” he said, adding: “This must stop and we develop our country together.”

“What we need are people to get involved. All of us can make a contribution to our country and create an impact on the lives of communities.”

The physician was addressing secondary and university students during a peer education meeting aimed at creating awareness on HIV/AIDS, sexual reproductive health and goal-setting.

The meeting which took place at International Hospital Kampala on Monday was organized by Reach a Hand Uganda, a charity organization.

Clarke advised the young people to embrace value systems which are pro-development.

The Irish-Ugandan politician was also irked by parents who don’t impart good discipline onto their children, especially those living in slums, and instead leave them under the care of people with ill intentions.

He made direct reference to Namuwongo slum, which harbours many thieves and drug addicts as well.

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Secondary students Coviiren Akamcako (L), Alex Kasozi Mubiru (C) and Monica Achen during a training on sexual reproductive health at International Hospital Kampala. PHOTO/by Francis Emorut

The students who attended a one month training on sexual reproductive health, HIV/AIDS prevention, how to use a female condom and goal setting said they benefited from the training and pledged to educate their fellow students.

“I learnt how to use a female condom despite the fact that they are scarce on the market,” Monica Achen of Makerere College School said.

She point out that the information on emergency contraceptive was useful to her in the unfortunate event of rape.

Emergency contraceptive is used to prevent pregnancy in situations when say, a condom breaks or slips off during sex and also when one is raped.

Koviiren Akamacako of Kawempe Secondary School underlined that teenagers need to be educated on sexual reproductive health.

“We must call a spade a spade because the youth engage in sexual encounters and therefore, they should know the dangers of having unprotected sex,” Akamacako said.

Another student, Moses Bwire of Makerere University, quipped: “We need to empower the youth and prevent HIV/AIDS infection and pregnancy.”