Young people must work for their future
Jul 04, 2010
IN Uganda, the youth account for about 55% of the population and account for over 7 million of the 14 million registered voters. Unfortunately young people have been used as political tools by politicians for their own personal gain.<br>
By Innocent Habimana
IN Uganda, the youth account for about 55% of the population and account for over 7 million of the 14 million registered voters. Unfortunately young people have been used as political tools by politicians for their own personal gain.
Given that Uganda’s unemployed youth account for over 60%, some politicians use the youth to carry out all manner of evil.
In many parts of Africa, many of the setbacks to a smooth democratic process are caused by violent outbursts of the youth from the warring political parties.
It is unbecoming of leaders to always enlist and incite the youth into engaging in violence and battles they know nothing about.
Fortunately, today’s youth have grown in consciousness.
This has been made inevitable by education and the advance in science and technology that has exposed our youth and as a result they are able to make informed decisions. As we go to the polls next year, politicians should know that the youth can no longer be used to serve anyone’s selfish interests.
I urge the youth to scrutinise leaders and identify those who are bent on exploiting them for their benefits.
The youth should avoid involving themselves in violence and strife.
In addition, our leaders should present programmes that will benefit the youth. For instance, Vice-President Prof. Gilbert Bukenya has helped the youth in his constituency to start money-making projects from cow horns.
This is a welcome intiative that will change the livelihood of the youth in Bukenya’s constituency. If we want to avoid scenario’s like last year’s September riots, then our leaders ought to emulate Bukenya so that we get rid of idle youth.
I appeal to the Police to act humanely during the elections and the youth to avoid idle talk and being caught on the wrong side of the law.
As we approach the election year, the young people are eager to know what strategies have been put in place to improve the education, health system, roads and how they and their children can have an assured future.
The writer is a an aspiring Youth MP (NRM) for Western Region
IN Uganda, the youth account for about 55% of the population and account for over 7 million of the 14 million registered voters. Unfortunately young people have been used as political tools by politicians for their own personal gain.
Given that Uganda’s unemployed youth account for over 60%, some politicians use the youth to carry out all manner of evil.
In many parts of Africa, many of the setbacks to a smooth democratic process are caused by violent outbursts of the youth from the warring political parties.
It is unbecoming of leaders to always enlist and incite the youth into engaging in violence and battles they know nothing about.
Fortunately, today’s youth have grown in consciousness.
This has been made inevitable by education and the advance in science and technology that has exposed our youth and as a result they are able to make informed decisions. As we go to the polls next year, politicians should know that the youth can no longer be used to serve anyone’s selfish interests.
I urge the youth to scrutinise leaders and identify those who are bent on exploiting them for their benefits.
The youth should avoid involving themselves in violence and strife.
In addition, our leaders should present programmes that will benefit the youth. For instance, Vice-President Prof. Gilbert Bukenya has helped the youth in his constituency to start money-making projects from cow horns.
This is a welcome intiative that will change the livelihood of the youth in Bukenya’s constituency. If we want to avoid scenario’s like last year’s September riots, then our leaders ought to emulate Bukenya so that we get rid of idle youth.
I appeal to the Police to act humanely during the elections and the youth to avoid idle talk and being caught on the wrong side of the law.
As we approach the election year, the young people are eager to know what strategies have been put in place to improve the education, health system, roads and how they and their children can have an assured future.
The writer is a an aspiring Youth MP (NRM) for Western Region