What plans does government have for evicted youths?

Mar 09, 2017

The cost of doing business in Kampala has left many youth hopeless.

By Badru Walusansa

Uganda's youth bulge is not anything to merely ride on but something to worry about now and in future. Despite statistics revealing that 78% of the population constitutes youth below the age of 30, the country boosts of the world's youngest population.

Although many studies have indicated that a youthful population is an asset and potential base for a country's socio-economic and political development, this seems a far achievable course for Uganda, where investment in the youth remains dismally poor.

Acute unemployment in the formal sector is one of the challenges youth still grapple with. Conversely, it is increasingly very costly for youth to start up private businesses, mainly in Kampala where a bigger youth population reside.

The cost of doing business in Kampala has left many youth hopeless because of the skyrocketing rent dues, trading licenses, and other taxes.

Additionally, just recently, over 15,000 vendors were evicted from Park Yard market, along Nakivubo in downtown Kampala. Among those that lost property during what has been referred to as unlawful eviction, were youth.

But has the Government cared to know what it means to accommodate a bigger percentage of unemployed youth?

The Government should know that whenever youths are frustrated, hopeless and idle, it is much easier luring them into subversive activities. I have observed keenly organised crime groups like Kifeesi destabilise the peace and security in Kampala.

We should, therefore, be skeptical where the evicted youth end up-who knows they could be potential recruits in Kifeesi?

The writer is commonwealth correspondent

 

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