DR. MATEMBE'S TAKE ON UGANDA'S MULTI PARTY SYSTEM ON KFM'S HARD TALK

HON DR MIRIA MATEMBE'S TAKE ABOUT THE NATURE OF UGANDA'S MULTI - PARTY SYSTEM

KFM HARD TALK

31ST MARCH 2012

While appearing on KFM's Hard Talk Programme, Dr. Matembe stated that where as Uganda's Constitution states that there are two systems of governance in Uganda: the movement system and the multi-party system and when one system is operational, the other should be in abbeyance; M7 in 2006 stole all the structures of the Movement System and turned then into NRM (O) Party. She then went ahead and chellenged Ugandans on whether we have a functional multi party system in Uganda!

To this extent, she thinks that we are fooling ourselves by thinking that we are in a multi party democracy when one party which was under the movement system is still in charge in a similar way. This is confirmed by celebrations like the NRM 26 YEARS IN POWER. When did NRM Party, that was elected in 2006 make 26 years in power??????????? Uganda has just made "6 years" of multi - party governance and if we had genuine leaders, they would now be celebrating 6 years of NRM O and not 26 years of NRM.

Its important to deliberate on governance in Uganda as a whole including the question of restoring term limits, the question of celebrating NRM "26" YEARS in power, the question of seperation of powers and the recent attacks about the Rt Hon Speaker of Parliament, etc as we prepare to celebrate Uganda's 50 years of Independence.

Jubillee - 50 years in the Bible in the book of Leviticus; is a year of over coming, a year of celebration, a year of victory and this must be a year of governance victory for Uganda.

THE FIFTY YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE SHOULD MARK THE END OF USING VIOLENCE AS A MEANS FOR REGIME CHANGE IN UGANDA AND CLEARLY HAVE PRESIDENTIAL TERM LIMITS RESTORED INTO UGANDA'S CONSTITUTION.

FOR GOD AND MY COUNTRY.

 

 

 

CCG EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ON CAPITAL GANG TODAY

MAJ (RTD) OKWIRI RABWONI

31st March 2012

While appearing on Capital Gang today, The Executive Director for the Center for Constitutional Governance Maj (Rtd) Okwiri Rabwoni said that its time for Ugandans to engage and forge a way forward on the critical governance issues in the country. He raised key governance issues like the power of the Presidency in Uganda which over shadows other institutions in the country; need to restore Presidential Term Limits in Uganda's Constitution; need for the youths/students who are the majority in this country to question certain decisions and demand for responsive leadership; among others.

Other guests on this popular political talk show included Mr. Ofwono Opondo, Hon Vicent Kyamadidi, Hon Ssemujju Nganda, and Hon Chris Byomunsi. Hon Ssemunju Nganda raised the issue of having leadership and key leaders coming from all areas of the country and clearly stated that this is his basis for being opposed to any other key leader coming from Western Uganda.

While responding to Hon SSemujju's submission, Rabwoni,  a reknown Pan Africanist stated that he cannot get involved in tribal issues while making a choice for national/political leaders. He further affirmed that he had heard such sentiments being raised by some people aopposed to Muntu's candidature as FDC President simply because he comes from Westren Uganda. This, he says is secterian politics that absolutely have no space in today's conteporary governance. Leaders should be assessed based on their leadership qualities and values and not their tribes or their areas of origin.

Rabwoni further informed the leaders about the need to strengthen national institutions to rise above individuals; the need to strengthen civil society institutions; the need to ensure that Ugandans understand their constitution and can always use it as key reference point in all their engagements and the need to have theyouths/students at the center of all our governance engagements because the future of Uganda belongs to them.

FOR GOD AND MY COUNTRY

WHAT HAPPENED TO THE PRESIDENTIAL DIRECTIVE ON REDUCING THE RETIREMENT AGE? - NKOZI STUDENTS

PUBLIC DIALOGUE AT UGANDA MARTYRS UNIVERSITY - NKOZI ON YOUTH AND TRANSFORMATION

30th March 2012

While addressing youths at Uganda Martyrs University Nkozi today, Ms Sarah Bireete, the Director of Programmes at the Center for Constitutional Governance challenged the students to get organised, put their clear demands forward ensure that they are implemented. She further challenged the youths to stop being used as foot soilders in implementing other peoples causes/issues.

This was during an interractive session and the students stated clearly that they do not like the status quo of governance in Uganda and they resolved to jointly work together and ensure that Uganda achieves meaningful transformation.

They agreed with the quote by Franz Fannon that every generation must define their cause and go ahead to fulfill or betray it.

The students further questioned the failure by Public Service to implement the Presidential Directive on reducing the retirement age in order to create space for the fresh graduates and the legitimacy of the current regime to properly administer oil revenues in order to benefit the majoirty Ugandans. They clearly stated that there is urgent need to bring to an end a government that is manipulated by a few Ugandans at the expense of the majority; a security syetem that cannot address the crisis the iron bar men have created in Uganda; a regime that lacks "ubuntu" in their priorities in resource allocation; a regime that has shifted from governance based on "For God and My Country" to "For God and My Stomach"; a country where quality education is a preserve of a few powerful families; a leadership that is extremely selfish, etc.

Based on the Garuga Declaration - a Declaration guided by the love for Uganda; made by the young people themselves, the students resolved as follows:

1. That they will provide relevant information on what the youth urgently need to do in order to deliver meaningful transformation to Ugandans;

2. That they will leave by example and popularise the Garuga Declaration;

3. That they will cultivate the trustworthy virtue amongst the youths/students;

4. That they will educate fellow youths about current issues and continously engage meaningfully;

5. That they will build a spirit of slodarity amongst themselves;

6. They will renew their cultural values;

7. And they will be responsible for what they care about.

The students present adopted the Garuga Declaration by appending their signatures and resolved to popularise it accross Uganda.

FOR GOD AND MY COUNTRY.

SUCCESSION: MAYOMBO'S BROTHER, MATEMBE WARN M7 ON FIFTH TERM

SUCCESSION: Mayombo’s Brother, Matembe Warn M7 On Fifth Term

By Muhame Giles
28th March 2012

A new team of influential activists in Uganda is working round the clock to block President Yoweri Museveni’s quest for another term in office after 2016.

The activists are led by departed UPDF officer Brig. Noble Mayombo’s brother Okwir Rabwoni, former Integrity Minister Miria Matembe and retired Kampala Bishop Zac Niringiye.

They are wooing support for their initiative under Article 1 of the 1995 Constitution of Uganda which states that "All power belongs to the people who shall exercise their sovereignty in accordance with this Constitution."

The new army of activists has so far stormed Makerere University, Uganda Christian University (UCU) among other institutions, calling upon students to join a new movement aimed at frustrating Museveni’s fifth term in office.

Under their umbrella organisation Centre for Constitutional Governance (CGV), the brave activists also insist that Presidential term limits must be restored not later than September 30 to avoid political chaos in future and life presidency.

In a statement read by Niringiye on Monday, the activists said as Ugandans celebrate 50 years of independence, this is the right time to reclaim the solemn declaration that "Power belongs to the People."

Niringiye said now is the time to make real the promise of democracy and transformation embedded in that January 1986 statement.

“After 50 years of independence, now is the time to lift our national policy from the quicksand of social injustice to the solid rock of human dignity,” the statement read.

“When Museveni stood on the precincts of Parliament in January 1986 and declared "…the problem of Africa and Uganda in particular is leaders who overstay in power," Ugandans cheered what they thought was a genuine fundamental change,” said Niringiye.

“So, when the men and women of the Constituent Assembly installed term limits to the presidency in Article 105(2) of the Constitution they knew that they were building a legacy of peaceful transfer of presidential power and authority. It was thus one of the darkest days in our history when the 7th Parliament removed presidential term limits on September 30th, 2005. At a single stroke of the pen, we returned to the politics of survival that has seen the suffering and death of millions of Ugandans,” he roared.

The activists, supported by lawyer Sarah Bireete, have as well launched the constitutional literacy campaign.

The programme is aimed at promoting constitutional governance in Uganda and the region through continuous civic education and sensitization on constitutional literacy; its relevance to good governance and in its role in East Africa’s political integration.

Proposed activities under this programme include: simplifying and translating the constitution into eight major local languages and disseminating it; constitutional literacy campaign; mobilization and sensitization on constitutional rights and obligations and advocating for harmonization of policies on governance within the region, public dialogue for interface between government agencies and the citizens and training of trainers (TOT) for massive sensitization on constitutional rights and obligations.

By sensitizing the public, the activists are optimistic Museveni will face stiff resistance in his bid to contest for Presidency in 2016.

Rabwoni and colleagues also hope the campaign will enable citizens acquire more knowledgeable about their constitutional rights and responsibilities and empower them to seek respect and restoration of cardinal constitutional principles.

The activists intend to empower citizens with means and avenues for expressing their needs and concerns and for holding political leaders accountable.

“We hope that this programme will enable Ugandans to hold their leaders accountable guided by the constitution and most importantly will stand up and defend the constitution against any kind of abuse,” says Niringiye.

SECURITY FORCES

In a related development, Niringiye has appealed to Uganda’s security forces to support the campaign aimed at restoring Presidential term limits by September 30 2012.

Niringiye warns Uganda could slip into chaos if Museveni does not retire peacefully after the end of this term.

“In previous campaigns, segments of our security forces have been deployed to disrupt the civic activities of our citizens. Your actions in support of this campaign will be the ultimate test of your patriotism and commitment to serve your country,” says Niringiye.

“We know you have your frustrations including poor remuneration, the lack of descent housing and the nightmare of retiring into a life of neglect short of dignity.”

YOUTHS ARE OUR FOUNDATION- OBASANJO

ROLE OF THE YOUTH IN NATIONAL TRANSFORMATION

29/03/2012

The youths are the foundation of a society. Their energy, inventiveness, character and orientation define the pace of development and the security of a nation. Through their creative talents and labour power, a nation makes giant strides in economic development and socio-political attainments. In their dreams and hopes, a nation finds her motivation; on their energies, she builds her vitality and purpose. And because of their dreams and aspirations, the future of a nation is assured.

Chief Olusegun Obasanjo

Former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

GULU TERM LIMITS CAMPAIGN IS ON!

The Hon. Maria Matembe launching the restoration of term limits campaign in Gulu at the Northern Uganda Media Centre(NUMEC) this morning.

KNOW YOUR CONSTITUTION, SPEAK YOUR CONSTITUTION, ACT YOUR CONSTITUTION

CCG LAUNCHES THE CONSTITUTIONAL LITERACY CAMPAIGN
28th March 2012

Today, Center of Costitutional Governance (CCG) will launch the constitutional literacy campaign at their offices.
 

This programme aims at promoting constitutional governance in Uganda and the region through continuous civic education and sensitization on constitutional literacy; its relevance to good governance and in its role in East Africa’s political integration.

Proposed activities under this programme include: simplifying and translating the constitution into eight major local languages and disseminating it; constitutional literacy campaign; mobilization and sensitization on constitutional rights and obligations; advocating for harmonization of policies on governance within the region e.g. electoral laws, migration laws; public dialogue for interface between  government agencies and the citizens and training of trainers (TOT) for massive sensitization on constitutional rights and obligations.

The expected outputs include: citizens are more knowledgeable about their constitutional rights and responsibilities; cardinal constitutional principles are respected and restored; citizens have means and avenues for expressing their needs and concerns and for holding political leaders accountable; Increased understanding and participation of citizens in EAC Political integration process; feedback and accountability processes between governments and the citizens are enhanced and development of a critical mass to effect the sensitization programme.

We hope that this programme will enable Ugandans to hold their leaders accountable guided by the constitution and most importantly will stand up and defend the constitution against any kind of abuse.

FOR GOD AND MY COUNTRY.

MESSAGE TO THE REGIONAL YOUTH MEETING IN MASINDI

By Okwiri Rabwoni
ARIBAS HOTEL - MASINDI
26th March 2012

On behalf of the Center for Constitutional Governance (CCG), I wish to welcome all of you to this meeting, which is the first of its kind in this region. This is a unique region that has now become trendy to talk about because of oil. Very soon, this region will be the most powerful place in Uganda, depending on whether oil in managed properly or mismanaged.

CCG has five key programmes notably, youths/students; constitutional literacy; public interest litigation; research and publication and the social justice campaigns. The youth/students programme focuses on the role of the youth in national transformation (social, economic and political transformation).

Examples of the required transformation:
1. How can the youth ensure that we build better democracy and governance practices?
2. What are the youth obligations to themselves, their communities and to the nation?
3. The youth enjoy some rights but what are the obligations that acrue from the rights that they enjoy?
4. How can the youth demand for accountability using their right of access to information?
5. How can the youth hold their different leaders accountable (the Executive, Parliament, Local Councils and the Youth Councils)?
6. How can the youth demand effective service delivery?

The youth, can indeed achieve all the above and much more if they are committed and make clear demands to the responsible people.

Uganda is a unique country in the World because for its fifty years of Independence, Ugandans have never witnessed peaceful hand over of power! We can only achieve regime change by using  violence! This is critical for the young people in Uganda today to engage because 80% of our population is composed of young people. Why should the young people allow the 20% to dominate them?

What kind of Uganda can the young people bring about??
1. A country back on the road to constitutional governance and democracy
2. Ugandans feeling a sense of belonging, security, and peace
3. A country where each person's views are respected and tolerated
4. A country where citizens enjoy their rights and exercise free political processes
5. A corruption free country
6. A country where everybody is valued and respected.

The future of Uganda is in your hands and like the Americans say "Ask not what your country has done for you, ask what you have done for your country."

And as I conclude, I will leave you with the words of Franz Fannon who stated that "Every generation has got its cause and its their duty either to fulfill or betray it".

THE TIME FOR THE YOUNG PEOPLE TO RE- AFFIRM THEIR ZEAL AND DEFEND THEIR MOTHERLAND IS NOW!

FOR GOD AND MY COUNTRY.

CITIZENS' ACTION FOR THE RESTORATION OF PRESIDENTIAL TERM LIMITS

　

CITIZENS’ ACTION FOR THE RESTORATION OF PRESIDENTIAL TERM LIMITS

"All power belongs to the people who shall exercise their sovereignty in accordance with this Constitution."

Article 1 of the 1995 Constitution of Uganda

Fifty years ago, Uganda was salvaged from the yoke of colonialism. We pay homage to the men and women of courage who took the fight to the colonialists until they won the freedom to direct the affairs of our country. Day after day, year after year, generations of Ugandans: men, women, youth and children from the North to the South and from the West to the East and the Centre, have worked tirelessly to secure that freedom and create the conditions in which Ugandans can live in dignity and prosperity. In the process, we have uplifted each other. But in many ways, we have also blamed each other for the little progress made, through relentless struggles fought at different times of our independence history. Ugandans have maimed, killed and abused each other, and plunged our country into the land of limited freedom.

We must remind ourselves of the lives lost during the armed struggle to liberate our country from Idi Amin Dada who unleashed the worst dictatorship ever known to this country. And the struggle by the National Resistance Army (NRA), the many young men and women who put aside potentially promising careers, together with the small boys and girls—our own Kadogos—who staked their lives and comfort to fight for good governance, political freedom and sustainable peace. Even then we know that these compatriots never fought against a foreign enemy. On the contrary, their guns faced brother and sister and relative and friend. To each one of them, dead or alive, we salute them with the enduring promise that our generation and generations to come will fight a different form of battle to create a legacy of freedom and democracy for which many shed blood.

When President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni stood on the precincts of Parliament on that January day in 1986 and declared "…the problem of Africa and Uganda in particular is leaders who overstay in power," we cheered what we thought was a genuine fundamental change. So, when the men and women of the Constituent Assembly installed term limits to the presidency in Article 105(2) of the Constitution they knew that they were building a legacy of peaceful transfer of presidential power and authority. It was thus one of the darkest days in our history when the 7th Parliament removed presidential term limits on September 30th, 2005. At a single stroke of the pen, we returned to the politics of survival that has seen the suffering and death of millions of Ugandans.

As we celebrate 50 years of independence, we believe this is the right time to reclaim the solemn declaration that "Power belongs to the People." Now is the time to make real the promise of democracy and transformation embedded in that January 1986 statement. After 50 years of

independence, now is the time to lift our national policy from the quicksand of social injustice to the solid rock of human dignity.

That is why today, March 26th until September 30th, 2012, Ugandans across the country, men and women, youth and children, boys and girls, people of all religions, fishermen and women, farmers, workers and teachers, businesspeople, politicians and comedians, are coming together to reclaim our power by demanding the restoration of presidential term limits not later than September 30th, 2012.

To our Members of Parliament, the restoration of presidential term limits will set our country on a course to the peaceful transfer of power and mark a new beginning for Uganda @50. What makes this different from other beginnings is that it is peaceful and non-negotiable because today, we are announcing our commitment and resolve to traverse the five corners of this country to mobilize every citizen in demanding this gift. Those politicians who align with this demand will be our allies. Those who oppose it will be declared hostile to freedom. Those politicians who seek to turn this campaign into a partisan campaign—and brand it ‘anti-NRM’ or ‘pro-FDC,’ ‘anti- DP’ or pro this and that—will be regarded as the enemies of progress and the agents of social and political stagnation.

To the men and women in our security forces: You have had the honor of wearing this Nations’ uniforms and you have served our country with commitment, courage and distinction. But like teachers who cannot afford a dignified living and yet they teach this Nation’s children, like our doctors and nurses who work every single day and night to save lives, like our famers who work the shambas to feed this country, and of course like the working men and women who pay their taxes to run our government, we know you have your frustrations including poor remuneration, the lack of descent housing and the nightmare of retiring into a life of neglect short of dignity. In previous campaigns, segments of our security forces have been deployed to disrupt the civic activities of our citizens. Your actions in support of this campaign will be the ultimate test of your patriotism and commitment to serve your country.

Finally, this is our message to our dear President: We cherish your service to country and continent. However, there comes a time when men and women of goodwill take the remarkable step and focus on securing their legacy. As Ugandans of goodwill, we claim the ultimate responsibility to ensure that Your Excellency are able to retire honourably, peacefully with dignity by May 2016. By so doing, Your Excellency, you will be the first in the history of Uganda to grant peaceful transfer of presidential power. We therefore invite you to be on the side of Ugandans on this matter and when you take the stand to address the Nation as our chief celebrant on the 50th anniversary of our independence on October 9, 2012, you will announce to the entire nation that you have worked with our Members of Parliament to reinstate term limits.

For God and my Country

For further information, please contact:

Center for Constitutional Governance (CCG)

www.ccgea.org/www.ccgea.blogspot.com/info@ccgea.org

P.O.Box 72340 Kampala, Uganda

Tel/Fax: +256 312 273 113

MATEMBE WARNS OF REVENGE AGAINST WESTERNERS

Activist Bishop Zac David Niringiye has decried the fear, apathy and slumber, which he says have eaten into the energy that is needed to move Uganda forward.
“It is amazing how people fear one another in this country. Then there is a lot of apathy, people have lost hope. When you tell them to do something, they say, ‘kyaba too much’. Then the other factor is slumber. People are working hard to sleep; not to work,” said Bishop Niringiye.
The solution the prelate suggested to cure the above ills is that the Ugandan youth, who constitute 80% of the country’s 34m-strong population, need to regain the lost hope. Niringiye was recently speaking at a public debate organised by Panos Eastern Africa at Imperial Royale hotel.
The other panelists who weighed in on the debate about, ‘Uganda at 50: A nation in flux?’ included former Ethics and Integrity minister, Dr Miria Matembe, FDC Vice President Proscovia Salaamu Musumba and presidential private secretary on Political Affairs, David Mafabi. On her part, Matembe warned of a tribal bombshell waiting to explode in the next 50 years. Describing her former party NRM as “worse than colonialists”, Matembe said that President Museveni’s government would have given Ugandans a better 50th anniversary but it “lost its vision” because of “its vampire-like politicians”.
Matembe added that the vampire-like mentality has turned the populace into beggars carrying bowls to a cocoon of a few individuals who have accumulated wealth primitively and are managing the country’s resource envelope as “a personal entity”. In the end, according to Matembe, people are looking at citizens from a certain region with envy and are waiting to revenge once the regime changes.
“I have never seen such robbery, moral decadence and the crave for materialism before—a situation where people are deliberately impoverished and reduced to beggars,” she said, adding, “How can someone manage a country like a personal property? I hear [President Museveni] saying ‘my oil’, ‘I hunted my animal’. That is trash. Let him go and hang.”
Museveni was at one time quoted in the press to have said that he hunted his animal and when it was time to eat, some people (opposition) tried to grab it. Niringiye described such mannerisms as Musevenism, before adding that it comes when a person overstays in power. Of Uganda’s post-independence 50 years, Museveni’s NRM has taken 25 years in power. Musumba says it is because of this longevity that NRM should take the largest blame for the malaise that has dogged Uganda.
“Uganda today is a country that is stuck. We have a population that is lost and not found. We have nothing in common except poverty, disease, ignorance and hopelessness,” she said.
Musumba also said that the other thing that Uganda has managed to achieve in the last 50 years is the “western Uganda threat” that has come up because of the “guns, money and oil” in the hands of people from the western part of the country.
However, Mafabi advised his fellow panelists to focus their debate on what makes one a Ugandan. He also urged them to provide solutions on how to consolidate the gains achieved under NRM rule.
“We need to get out of short-termism because our problem is structural. I am fighting against temporary solutions and look at trans-regime solutions. We must develop a generation that discovers its transformation,” Mafabi said.

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HON DR. MIRIA MATEMBE'S PRESENTATION AT MUK

PRESENTATION BY HON DR. MIRIA KOBURUNGA MATEMBE

ON THE ROLE OF THE YOUTH IN NATIONAL TRANSFORMATION

AT MAKERERE UNIVERSITY- PUBLIC DIALOGUE

(I)          THE STATUS OF UGANDA TODAY:

Uganda has never witnessed peaceful handover of power since independence and has only changed leaders using violence. This characterizes our country as a nation of using violence as a means for regime change.

What’s the problem?

In 1986, President Museveni described Africa’s problem as that of Leaders who stay in power for long. Recently while in Kenya, He said that over staying in power for long has made Him an Expert on governance issues.

“Why the change of heart…..of goal posts…” So what should the young people believe in?

The current politics and policies focus on “For God and My Stomach”- they are characterized by greed, patronage, materialism, selfishness, etc.

When we complain about the status quo, the common response is that “at least we can talk and go back home unlike during the Idi Amin and Obote Governments. These Governments were bad; have we now reached this level of agreeing that all our Governments since independence are bad and should be compared as “bad, worse, worst?”

There is growing resentment, anger bitterness, etc towards people from the western part of Uganda. Whenever things go wrong, the westerners are treated differently. Case in point is the Bassajjabalaba saga where Cabinet decided that Prof Makubuya and Hon Syda Bumba should resign but Governor Mutebile should be saved!

The good leaders are denied from taking part in the governance of this country and now the government is full of bad leaders

Our national vision was substituted with the individual vision and subsequently; the language changes from “we do” to “I do”

The current Leaders are pre occupied with how to stay in power and what strategies to use in order to sustain themselves in power.

All the above have created a sense of hopelessness among Ugandans.

(II)       THE ROLE OF THEYOUTH IN NATIONAL TRANSFORMATION:

 Young or old, we all have a role to play in transforming Uganda.

Just like women, the young people have ‘powerlessness’. However there is hope that these two marginalised groups can come together and use their advantage of ‘numbers’ to transform Uganda. These two groups should also join hands to make their masses bigger and stronger toward changing the nation.

We need to refocus our plan, open our eyes and understand things happening around, get know the right and the wrong. We need to have faith in God in order to transform our nation in the right manner.

 We have abandoned God and our country and that is why we are going astray. We should always refer to the motto of our nation ‘For God and My Country’ in order to move forward. Countries that have moved on ahead practice Godly values and principles.

We should realise the power we all have to change the Nation just like Moses discovered the power of his stick to liberate the Israelites from the Egyptians.

 Transformation is not changing but radically turning situations around in order to change everything; the institutions, ideologies, processes and much more.

WHY ARE PEOPLE NOT RISING UP TO FIGHT AGAINST THE POOR UGANDAN SITUATION?

  People fear and do not care hence we have to liberate Ugandans of fear and indifference.

(III)    WHAT KIND OF UGANDA DO WE WANT?

·        A country back on the road to constitutional governance and democracy;

·        Ugandans feeling a sense of belonging, security and peace;

·        A country where each person’s views are respected and tolerated;

·        Where citizens enjoy their rights and exercise free political processes for example, citizens understanding the meaning of elections and holding their values while electing;

·        A country free of corruption and those who are corrupt being punished;

·        A Uganda where everyone will be valued and respected;

·        A country where leadership and integrity is cherished;

·        A country where everyone benefits and not the minority.

Each of us has got a role to play. We do not need to go to the bush but we can play our roles where we are using our intellectual strengths. ‘The end justifies the means’ therefore, if we do not do this, the use of violence will keep repeating itself hence a perfect reason to find other fighting means.

THE YOUTH MUST RISE UP AND SERVE A PURPOSE IN THEIR OWN GENERATION-HOW WILL THEY DO THAT?

The youth should not let themselves be despised. ‘When you think  like a grasshopper, you will become a grasshopper’. The Youth are very powerful and they should be aware of their great strength.

The youth should always refer to the word of God because it is very empowering.

The youth should remove the habit of Ugandans being hunters that is, they are ready to kill and sell their own resources at a cheap price  for ‘meat’ that does not last for long instead of preserving their resources  for the future and using them to develop the Nation.

Ugandans should ask for assistance in matters they do not understand before they make the wrong choices.  

The challenge is, are we restless enough to throw off the yokes of our brothers off our necks so that we can be free, redeem ourselves and our land.

Lastly I end with the quote from Bible about ESAU -who sold his birth right to his brother Jacob in exchange of a plate of soup because he was hungry. His desire to satisfy his hunger made him fore go his inherited treasure. Let’s not focus on immediate gains – needs; let’s target the bigger picture.

               

THE STUDENTS/YOUTH HAVE A GENERATIONAL DUTY TO TRANSFORM UGANDA

By Maj (RTD) Okwiri Rabwoni
Thursday 22/03/2012
Makerere University Business School


While addressing students at MUBS on the role of the Youth in National Transformation, Maj (RTD) Okwiri Rabwoni explained the various landmarks that the youth of Uganda and Africa in general have achieved in liberating their countries.

This role, he said, is grounded right from the examples of Kings Mwanga and Kabalega as great nationals that defended their kingdoms against colonialists to the extent of paying the ultimate price - with their lives.This was possible because of determination and their commitment to defend their Kingdoms and the interests of the their people.

Other examples of distinguished youths that have served this nation with a similar commitment range from Musasizi, Dr. Milton Obote, the various youth leaders like Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, Governor Tumusime Mutebile, etc during the 1st and second UPC Governments. The people who fought for Uganda's independence were youths/students. And the people who fought for Africa's Independence in general were all youths and specifically students. Prof Dani Nabudere started his great works as a youth. Its the youths in Uganda/University students who fought Idi Amin's dictatorship, and its the youth/students under NRA that liberated this country from dictatorship in 1986. Some of us made our contribution during the NRA LIBERATION WAR and this contribution has brought us this far. You should take it on from there. The remaining challenges are for you to address.

Like Franz Fannon put it "every generation has its cause and its their duty either to fulfill or betray it". Uganda today is facing enormous governance challenges and these include, but not limited to, unemployment; poor service delivery; lack of institutional governance; high cost of living, etc. The challenge before you today is what kind of contribution can you make to transform Uganda today?

Like the Americans say, ask not what your country has done for you but ask what you have done for your country. And I want to put this challenge to you today; if Uganda remains in its current status- what contribution will you have done for your country?? What will you be proud of a itizen of this nation.

The future of Uganda is in your hands - the young people because you form 80% of your population. You should not let the 20% - US; give you a headache. This can only happen with you consent.

IF YOU SIT AND DO NOTHING, POSTERITY WILL JUDGE YOU.

Your joint action will re- affirm your zeal and determination to defened your motherland.

FOR GOD AND MY COUNTRY.

KEY NOTE SPEECH AT UGANDA CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY - MUKONO

By Bishop Zac Niringiye

Its undebatable that its the youth who can bring about meaningful transformation. There is urgent need to address critical challenges like unemployment, the quality of education and the collapsing health sector.

The rate of school drop outs; the reasons why rural schools do not perform so well to the extent of getting 6000 students failing to get grade 1; 39% of infants below five years being stunted and 20% of these infants have no hope; are all a manifestation of a failed governance.

If you critically analyse the factors of production and how they affect one another, that is: land, labour, capital, enterprenuership and time and the extent to which they interchangebly affect one another; its very clear that in the given circumstances, its not possible for the youth to be productive.

The hope for National Transformation in Uganda lies with the youth. Examples of the youth who have changed the course of events in Uganda include: the NRA whose change started with the young people - the 27 .

Just check who your role models are: Hon Odongo Otto, Rt Hon Rebecca Kadaga, Hon Bidandi Ssali, Dr Olara Otunu, Tumussime Mutebile, Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, Winnie Byanyima, etc all started their work as student leaders.

Its the University students - the cream of youthfullness that has to be at the center for any transforamtional change. Its the special character of being a youth and its described as 3 Cs and these are:
 C = Convictions (beliefs)
 C=  Courage (those whose convictions give them courage are unstoppable)
 C=  Commitment (push until when change happens)

When I was a student in Lumumba Hall, we decided that we shall not go back to attend lectures until when Idi Amin was removed and this was the beggining of the downfall of Amin's regime.

There is a need for students loans to enable every student to be able to attain tertially education. Students in centers of Higher Learning should be able to engage with ideas  and ideas change the world. Universities are centers for searching for ideas.

Uganda is our country and we all have eqaul rights in this country; an equal stake in this country. This is our future- the future of our kids including the kids with the nodding disease. This is our choice - all of us. This is our action.

This is why students must demand for students' loans because its your choice and you have a choice to make what future you take. Therefore, Government must fulfill their promise of introducing students' loans. The students must go to Parliament and demand that they deliver the loan schemes- camp at Parliament until when its done.

"Our Country, Our Future, Our Choice, Our Action."

THE YOUTH MUST WALK THE TALK.

PUBLIC DIALOGUE AT UCU

       Public Dialogue on the Role of Youth in National Transformation

LET THE YOUNG CHANGE UGANDA

Uganda has one of the largest populations of young people with 21.3% between 18-30 years according to the UBOS Statistical Abstract for 2010. The youthful population increases to 55.7% when you take the age category 6-30 years. The centrality of the youth in Uganda’s development therefore should be treated as a priority because our demographic trends characterized by a very young and youthful population.  According to the study on youths and unemployment in Africa, 83.3% of the Ugandan youth are unemployed and 93.8% of these are living on less than two dollars per day. This makes our youth one of the poorest in the whole of Sub-Saharan Africa[1] and has greatly contributed to the high dependency ratio of 1:1.17, the highest in Africa.

The youths have been treated as a special interest group and have political representation at different levels in local councils, local governments and in the national parliament. However, their representation sometimes has no clear and direct agendas that reflect the needs of young people to integrate in national dialogues and debate.The need to recognize the potential and allow for the fulfillment of young people’s potentials as active players in the transformation of the country. It is true that our society can make real progress if it has an enlightened, informed and engaged youth prepared to build a brighter future.

On Friday 23^rd March 2012 Centre for Constitutional Governance and ActionAid Uganda will host a dialogue and launch a national programme on youth rights and obligations: “The role of the Youth in National Transformation”

The Guest speaker will be Bishop Dr. Zac Niringiye.

The overall goal is to promote highly intellectual and ideologically grounded discourse through debate and other mechanisms that encourage exchange of ideas in institutions of learning and the bigger society.

At the dialogue, the GARUGA Declaration made by the section of young leaders declaring/calling for ‘Love for uganda and humanity’ as the cornerstone to development and national transformation will be launched.

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[1]World Bank Survey-Based Harmonized Indicators Program (SHIP).