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By Gladys Rosette Nandutu,

As we sail swiftly towards the pivotal year of 2026, a time in which Ugandans will decide their future through the ballot, it is vital to bring to light an emerging concern affecting the most vibrant section of the population- the youth.

Young people in Uganda, who form the bulk of the nation’s population and voters, are increasingly becoming subjects of political influence, manipulation, and empty promises, particularly from corrupt officials targeting their loyalty and votes.

In Uganda, where corruption allegations are alarmingly routine among public officials, evident in the trending ongoing protest dubbed “#UgandaParliamentExhibition”, led by academician and cartoonist Dr. Jimmy Spire Ssentongo, involving the public demanding accountability through exposing the alleged massive corruption, abuse of office and gross mismanagement of public affairs by the leadership of Parliament and other leaders, the youth have become an attractive target for such politicians through bribes as they seek another term of office.

This manipulation often comes in the guise of large sums of money luring the unsuspecting young minds especially the unemployed into a trap of political blackmail against opponents. It is essential, therefore, for the youth to discern these manipulative strategies and uphold the integrity of their votes.

The Ugandan government and private sector are key players in youth empowerment. They frequently introduce programmes that aim to support the youth economically. While these programmes can bring about short-term benefits, it is crucial to consider their sustainability beyond the funding period. While beneficial, funding alone does not empower; genuine empowerment comes from the fostering of the acquisition of sustainable skills, knowledge, and opportunities that can aid long-term growth. But as the stakes get higher, these empowerment programmes are often transformed into instruments of political manipulation.

Young people must be wary of politicians who dangle attractive promises loaded with “mere words” and inject substantial funds into their programmes, not in the interest of empowering the young people, but rather to entice them into pledging their loyalty and votes. The youth must cautiously read these actions to ensure that their empowerment is not just rhetoric but a continual process of socio-economic development.

A critical analysis of recent events displays a growing trend in this direction. Citing an example in the run-up to the 2021 elections, voters, especially the youth, were promised various forms of assistance, including funds and empowerment. However, a year and few months to the end of the elected leaders’ term, many of these promises remain unfulfilled, empowerment funds swindled, government property meant for the vulnerable has been stolen by the very leaders whom these youths entrusted with the offices, reflecting a clear tactic of manipulation.

Alert to these tactics, young Ugandans must be vigilant and critical, not allowing themselves to be swayed by the allure of temporary gain. They carry the burden of deciding Uganda’s future in their hands, by virtue of their demographic majority. Theirs is a powerful voice that can have a significant influence on the country’s political landscape and therefore, their decisions must be informed, objective and independent, rooted in the aspirations of a better Uganda.

As Uganda braces for the 2026 elections, it is imperative that youth empowerment programmes maintain a sense of sustainability beyond their financing periods. Equally, the youth must remain undeterred by the corrupt systems that seek to exploit their vulnerability. They must instill the societal fabric with knowledge, tolerance, and integrity, thereby ensuring that Uganda steps into a prosperous, corruption-free future well beyond 2026.

With Uganda heading steadily towards 2026, young people bear the responsibility of discerning truth from fallacy and manipulation from empowerment. Ensuring sustainable progress and rooting out corruption are urgent matters that demand immediate attention. The future of Uganda depends on the choices the young people are making today, and it is their duty to make them wisely.