Northern Uganda youth want more constituencies created

The youth in northern Uganda have advised the government to create more constituencies in the region saying the area is wide and cannot be manned by only one legislator.

They urged the government to create Karamoja, Lango, Teso and West Nile as independent constituencies so that each sends youth representatives to Parliament.  

In their meeting, they cited under-representation which creates vulnerability in youth leadership, unemployment, poverty, mistrust and discrimination.

"The elders have increased their numbers but ours still remain the same. Which means there is under-representation of youth," said Bosco Luganyu, a youth councillor from Omoro district. The youth who were drawn from Lango, Acholi, West Nile and Karamoja were all in their meeting held at Lira Hospital.             

They tasked the government to desist from supporting the youth from other regions and leaving out those from northern Uganda, to distribute State House scholarships equally, and to fight abject poverty and unemployment among young people.

They also protested the move by the National Resistance Movement's Central Executive Committee and the party's MPs proposing sole candidature for President Yoweri Museveni, saying they would support the idea if their issues were addressed.  

Amuru RDC Linda Auma warned the youth against attacking, insulting and mobilising against the President, saying it is not the best way is to channel their grievances.

"Do not cry for money given to youth in Kampala. That money is nothing," Auma said.

"Youth should not rely on handouts because at the end of the day you will misuse it and remain in poverty," she added. 

Former youth contestant Abudul George who also got the blessing from the youth to contest again advised them to be focused and never lose faith in the NRM.