'Demand accountability from leaders on SDGs'

The youth have been advised to hold leaders accountable to ensure that the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are achieved.

Esther Nasikye, policy and campaigns coordinator at World Vision, said that unlike the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) which were supposed to be achieved universally by 189 countries under the UN, the SDGs are specific for each nation to work towards the attainment of the goals in the span of 15 years (2015-2030).

"There can be no development without peaceful, just communities and countries. The institutions that govern us should be transparent, responsive and accountable," she said.

She was speaking during a young people's dialogue of SDGs in Kampala organized by World Vision Uganda.

Robert Mugisha addresses participants. (Credit: Francis Emorut)

The dialogue was held under the theme: "Building momentum for youth-led accountability throughout the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals."

"We need sustainable economic growth and decent livelihoods throughout our lifetimes," said Nasikye.

She explained that the MDGs were a set of numerical and time-bound targets to measure achievements in human and social development and Uganda made significant strides in achieving some of the 8 goals especially poverty reduction from 56% in the 1980s to 19% in 2014.

Youth demonstrate lack of hospital beds for patients in a play during the dialogue. (Credit: Francis Emorut)

The 17 SDGs include no poverty, no hunger, good health, quality education, gender equity, clean water and sanitation, renewable energy, good jobs and economic growth, innovation and infrastructure, reduced inequalities, sustainable cities and communities and responsible consumptions.

Others are climate action, life below water, life on land, peace and justice and partnerships for the goals.

Nasikye appealed to the youth to form groups so as to tap government resources in the implementation of the SDGs.

A play was staged to demonstrate poor service delivery in the health sector where some hospitals and health units lack beds for patients, and either forcing them to share available beds or sleep on the floor.

A cross-section of youth at the well-attended meeting. (Credit: Francis Emorut)

The youth however doubted the attainment of the SDGs unless there is political will.

"It requires political will and needs a multi-sectoral approach to achieve the targets of SDGs," said James Rwomushana, a youth.

His counterpart Sam Mubiru wondered whether the youth would be in position to hold their leaders accountable when some of them spend most of their time engaged in sports betting activities.

Robert Mugisha, who is disabled and a Makerere University graduate, questioned goal number 8 on good jobs and economic growth, saying people with disabilities (PWDs) have been ignored.

"How many PWDs are employed and yet they are university graduates?"

On his part, Mohammed Kato asked how it is possible to end hunger and poverty when most African nations depend on donor aid.

Ali Kiviri, a youth leader, advised the youth to use social media to demand accountability while Ahmed Hadji, also a youth leader, appealed to the young people to task MPs to incorporate youth financing in the national budget process.