Why the youth are the determining factor in Uganda's future

By Winston Rutehenda Rwankore

Now that the political exercise has ended, what should be the way forward?

Let us settle our differences because this anger that is brewing within us every day will not create harmony.

Statistics show that President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni got most of his votes from the rural areas during the recent general elections as compared to towns and town councils. This means the people in the rural areas need him more than those in towns.

Granted, he has put several projects for them to develop by reducing poverty but this is not enough.

According to the report of the 2014 census, poverty levels have been reduced to 19% way above the Millennium Development Goals recommendation of 25%.

However, a lot needs to be done to keep this development and even make it better. 

Youth are the determinant factor of Uganda's future. They make up over 70% of the voting population in Uganda. They are educated and knowledgeable. I belong to four youth forums (although I am not youth), but these young people are enterprising. Their togetherness shows they can achieve most of the assignments given to them but, of course, with proper guidance.

Most of them were born after 1986 and are not aware of past regimes. Referring them to the past regimes is like telling them stories and they hate it.

There are funds to help the youth but a lot more needs to be done. Most of the ministers and elders were defeated in the past elections and this was due to the majority youth voting them out of their offices. Political sharing is another issue the President has to address. The NRM supporters should take up 80% of the political positions while the opposition gets the remaining. 

The President should have political academies or schools to teach people, especially the youth the goals, mission and vision of the party. Much as Kyankwazi exists, more of such schools are necessary.

Most parties tend to weather away with their leaders. In Uganda, the Democratic Party (DP) collapsed with Dr. Paul Kawanga Ssemwogerere, Uganda People's Congress (UPC) with Dr. Milton Qbote. This trend might take up the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) under Retired Col. Kizza Besigye or the National Resistance Movement Party (NRM), if President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni leaves. The Movement Party should have various academies so that even if the President leaves, there is a legacy to take over and keep the party moving.

When it comes to service delivery, we know that he has a vision for Uganda but people are letting him down.  Credit is given on the road network and power (electricity), however, a lot has to be done on other services especially health and education.   I was recently surprised when I stopped at ICOBI and got free treatment. That is what is expected. All responsible citizens should focus mainly on health for proper growth.

I had never thought of genocide taking place in a country like Uganda but I have noticed that nothing is impossible. The Kayunga, Mabira and Kasese/Bundibugyo incidents gave us a sample. Uganda has more than 60 tribes but genocide can take place in future. The President needs to harmonise all these tribes as he did in Kasese and Bundibugyo.

Lastly, the President should always remember giving a hand to those who helped him during and after the war. Some of these are long gone but left behind children and families. I know the President has helped most of them by educating their children and giving them guidance but others are still suffering and very angry with the ruling Government. I remember there was a department under the President's office in the late 1990's but was misused and I think closed. This will help him sort out families of his gone comrades/friends.

The writer is a concerned citizen and an administrator