On the 23 July 2024, the section of youths who call themselves Generation Z represented others to protest against rampant corruption which is taking a toll on our country hence compromising government efficiency in providing good service delivery to Ugandans which includes constructing and maintaining our good roads,building more schools among others.
According to records, every year Uganda loses over Ugx 10 trillions to corruption,which is about 10 percent of our annual tax collections which are about Ugx 30 trillions .The protests whivh were dubbed as #Martch2Parliament brought mixed reactions from security that they sniffed hidden motives from some protesters according to their intelligence.
Much as the right to protest is a universal human right, it should be regulated by police so as to prevent it from degenerating into violence. When protests turn into riots, they lead into destruction of life and property. The ugly scenario in Kenya where the protesters even burnt their national Asset called parliament where all Kenyans merge together using their representatives to make laws that shape the destiny of their economy. I can’t fathom our youths copying that hooliganism up to the extent of dictating terms. I don’t want to witness our Ugandan youths torching down a diplomatic building because it can jeopardise relationships with other countries which can distort trade and investment deals which sometimes are vessels of youth employment.
Therefore we thank security for always being vigilant and not giving chance to the bad people with bad motives to derail our nation in intrest of public good. Nevertheless i must say that whenever security is very increasitive, up to the extent of arresting protesters, it gives leverage to those protesting in terms awareness which is the main purpose of protesters. Unless when the protesters have another agenda but massive awareness about their petition or proposal is always the end game.
It should be recalled that the ant corruption protesters where able to make their case on social media and international and local media although those on the streets found it harder since they were battling with security in some way or another but it was a big testament to the young people to show to the world that they despise corruption. We also thank Daily monitor for publishing their demands to the powers that be.
As patriots we should hold those youths in high esteem for standing against the corrupt because it is the cancer of our country. We should therefore stop saying that the protesters flopped but we should show them that their agenda was well delivered to the concerned parties.Col. Edith Nakalema meeting some youths leaders was a testament that government acknowledge the anti corruption crusaders.
It is important to note that the efforts of security in preventing bad elements who would turn into riots was also timely in the manner that Uganda does not need to loose any day due to riots since we are just moving out of the woods of covid 19 where by any slight mistake would distort our registered progress .
Purpose of protesting
Protesters often organise protest as a way of publicly making their opinion heard in an attempt to influence a public opinion or government policy which was loudly heard by those in decision making which I believe government is going to tighten the measures of fighting the vice in short term or medium term.
It should also be noted that our government officials should stop bragging that they thwarted the protesters instead they should comfort and assure them how they acknowledge their voices.This can be a good strategy to make the protesters appreciate that government is standing with them in fight against this monster called corruption that has killed the moral fabric of our nation. Mocking protesters is another wickedness.
The leaders of the protesters should also hold themselves in high esteem and show security that much as they disrupted their walk to parliament but they were able to be heard. The protesters should learn how to turn their disadvantage into niche. In such a scenario they should know how to turn their weakness into opportunity by reframing their problem of police inconvenience into advantage of registering massive awareness against corruption.
Much as corruption has penetrated our systems, I want to thank the President of Uganda General Yoweri Kaguta Museven for his untired commitment to stamp out the vice.His appointment of a new vibrant Auditor General,Mr.Edward Akol is a clear manifestation that he is still commitment to overcome this monster. It should be noted that his Office of the National Chairman managed by Hajjat Hadijjah Namyalo is also at the centre of corruption fight since he empowers youths in every district to inform him through reports who is corrupt and who is sleeping on the job when it comes to efficient service delivery and wealth creation.
In a nutshell, all Ugandans should be in solidarity with the heroism of youths who caused massive awareness against corruption which is a clear indication of young people being at the centre in participation of the affairs and governance of their country. We should recall that unabated corruption can cause lack of enough jobs,economic loss and inefficiency,poverty and inequality among others.
The writer is the Head of Research ONC
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