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.