Youth participation has always been overwhelming and the youth demographic determines political power in Uganda. Youth participation varies from the local level to the national level. The question that everyone needs an answer is; “has youth participation in election, governance, politics yielded anything, have they been given a chance to do so?” and I am sure, you are also looking for the answer
Ugandans especially young people are not comfortable with the current regime, especially with police brutality, unemployment. They feel the need to manage themselves and run their affairs. The country is predominantly run by older citizens (President, Vice President, Prime Minister, Speaker, Cabinet ministers) with few young people and others are having no youth representation in the cabinets
This year, the country has seen an increase in participation of young people in politics, contesting from the grassroots levels. We have seen a 37-year-old ghetto boy and legislature showing much interest in challenging the bushmen and many others that are fighting for social justice
During the Regional and National Youth Parliament that I attended, most of the guests informed the house that there are many ways of youth participation starting with voting, supporting fellow young people, reporting the injustice and showing solidarity and more
I consider digital storytelling as another very important way of youth participation in politics which did not come out during the discissions. Young people from Northern, Eastern and Western Uganda have directly and indirectly participated in politics, the fear is high and no mentorship
In reality, their voices are still unheard on one way or the other and many have faced persecution and serious political intimidation. Uganda has been under the spotlight for trying to silence political activist, human right activist, young people. Artists like Bobi Wine, Bizonto have all faced serious challenges with the government for expressing their views on the regime
Youth participation in governance, the election is still more invisible in the country and Civil societies created a platform for young people to engage in governance at all different levels
The newly launched Platform for youth inclusion in politics will provide legal support to all young activists, it is a safe space for young people to participate in governance and express their views without intimidation
During the Youth parliament that happened across the country, most young people stated that they are lacking civic mentorship, election fees are high and went ahead to table a motion that needs urgent attention by the parliament of Uganda
If given the resource, youth participation in governance will definitely gradually increase over time. However. The challenge of facing prosecution or political intimidation by the regimes is a militating factor against young people who would want to express alternative views
If young people’s potential is tapped and better utilized for the best interest of the country, the better Uganda will be
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