US secretary advises Ugandan youth on politics

Nov 18, 2015

Uganda’s youth should play a constructive role in shaping the country’s political future, Tom Malinowski, the US Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labour, has advised.

By Chris Kiwawulo                        

Uganda’s youth should play a constructive role in shaping the country’s political future, Tom Malinowski, the US Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labour, has advised.

Malinowski noted that youth hold influence to help shape Uganda’s future. “It is clear that this country is full of passionate, patriotic, and creative citizens.  Youth have an incredible power to influence the future of your country. But only by voting do you leverage that power,” he was quoted as saying in a statement from the US embassy.

Malinowski, who was in Kampala November 15-17, made the remarks during a question and answer session with Makerere University students at an elections-related event that was organized by the International Republican Institute at the university on November 17.

Malinowski also emphasized the protection of the integrity and fairness of the electoral process, preserving fundamental freedoms, strengthening democracy, and supporting a free and independent media during the electoral season.

During his trip, Assistant Secretary Malinowski met with numerous members of the Ugandan government and security services, including Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda and Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI) boss, Brig. Charles Bakahumura.

Malinowski also met with members of the Ugandan political opposition, representatives of civil society and the NGO community, and local journalists.

During these meetings, the Assistant Secretary discussed the country’s pre-electoral environment and civil society space ahead of the February 2016 national elections.

Malinowski travels next to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where he will meet with government officials, human rights activists, think-tanks, journalists and bloggers who have been released from prison in recent months. He will continue the discussion begun by President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Heile Mariam on how best to advance democracy and human rights in Ethiopia.

Meanwhile, the US embassy in partnership with Kas Wear clothing label is to host the second Skilled Expressive Entrepreneurial Design (SEED) fashion show in celebration of Global Entrepreneurship Week. The event is slated for Saturday, November 21 at the U.S. Embassy along Ggaba Road.

Ten up-and-coming Ugandan fashion designers have accepted the challenge to create an outfit for an American diplomat that represents the U.S. Mission's goals of health, peace and security, economic opportunities, or democracy and human rights.

Judges for the fashion show are Chargé d'Affaires ad interim Trish Mahoney, Sylvia Owori and Ras Kasozi.  Audience members will include Ugandan youth entrepreneurs from various fields and fashion industry experts.

The winning designer will be profiled on the Embassy's Facebook page, mentored by Ras Kasozi of Kas Wear, and create a look for an American diplomat to be worn at an upcoming high-profile event.

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