As protests continue to rock the nation, it’s clear that guns and tear gas won’t bring peace or silence the cries for justice. True peace emerges when Ugandans’ voices are heard and their concerns addressed. The current situation mirrors the warnings of what has happened in Kenya, where corruption, tribalism, greed for power, and impunity have plagued the nation.
The unrest in many African countries stems from unchecked corruption and frustration. Disappointment in stolen elections, high taxes, a failed justice system, unfair treatment, divide-and-rule tactics, and unaccountable governments inevitably lead to conflict, violence, and even changes in government.
History teaches us valuable lessons. President Museveni himself used military force to remove the previous government for similar reasons. For our democracy to thrive, citizens must exercise their human rights and freedoms. Leaders must listen and respond positively to the people’s voices.
To create a society where peace can truly flourish, we must demand transparency, accountability, and justice. Leaders must fulfill their duties and respect the people. Promises of safety, infrastructure, healthcare, and job creation must be kept, not overshadowed by corruption.
We must enact policies that hold our leaders personally accountable. All civil servants should receive medical care from government hospitals, not abroad. This will compel them to defend the quality of public services and discourage the misappropriation of tax money.
The government should provide designated areas for peaceful expression of dissatisfaction and be present to listen, ensuring that peaceful protests do not result in arrests, beatings, or ignored issues.
Ugandans with genuine concerns, well-organized in peaceful protests, should be celebrated as they highlight what needs to be addressed and help refuel our efforts. Ugandans are tired of raising their issues and being left unheard. The government must listen to the people and address their concerns.
Additionally, Ugandans must be educated about their constitution and receive civic education to understand their rights and responsibilities. This knowledge empowers them to seek accountability, exercise their civic rights and freedoms, and engage in constructive dialogue for national transformation.
Furthermore, the government must address the problem of corruption to prevent foreign entities from exploiting our youth and disrupting the fragile peace we have achieved. By tackling corruption head-on, we can safeguard our nation’s stability and ensure that our young people are not manipulated into causing unrest.
As you serve in government positions, do not relax, thinking history cannot repeat itself. Be motivated to work hard to contribute to the transformation of Uganda. Let’s use this opportunity to dialogue and embrace positive change for national transformation. Failure to do so will lead to unnecessary suffering for everyone.
As leaders in Africa, we need to find solutions to problems such as increasing unemployment and poor leadership facing the large population of youth. We have seen the increase in demonstrations in African countries like Kenya, Uganda, and Bangladesh.
This is a critical moment for Uganda and the continent as a whole. The call for genuine change is not just an echo of past struggles but a call for a future built on justice, transparency, and active citizenship. Let’s work together to build a better Uganda and Africa.