DR. MATEMBE RALLIES STUDENTS TO FIGHT AGAINST BAD GOVERNANCE

Matembe rallies students to fight against bad governance

“There is killing of organisational ability, centralising authority and denial of human rights. That is not the Uganda you want to live in”. Miria Matembe, former ethics minister 

By ALFRED TUMUSHABE

Posted  Wednesday, November 21  2012 at  02:00

In Summary

The activist appealed to university students to uphold integrity and serve to create a Uganda they dream of.

Former Ethics and Intergity Minister Miria Matembe has argued youth, especially the educated to be bold and courageous enough to fight bad governance.

Ms Matembe told student leaders from universities and other institutions of higher learning from Ankole and Kigezi regions at ogy on monday that the current government was more pre occupied with how to sustain itself in power than serving Ugandans.

Ms Matembe, who was the key speaker at the dialogue on the theme "The Uganda we want in the next 50 years" told youth that they were the majority and should actively work for the fulfillment of the Ugandan dream they wish to live.

"Look at the nepotism, corruption and divisions that are killing our country.  Vision has been replaced by [personal] ambition. How can you claim to have vision when donor money for northern Uganda is swindled?” Ms Matembe asked.

She added: “ I want to describe Uganda as a sick nation. Even the diseases that are invading us testify to the fact that Uganda is, indeed, sick. You must start thinking seriously. ” Ms Matembe said the ideal Uganda should be built on democratic principles such as freedom of assembly, where everybody is engaged in gainful economic activity and upholding of integrity and ethical conduct.

She advised young people to have integrity, passion and a vision to mobilise and educate other people, including their parents about what is right. “What Uganda needs is transformative leadership with integrity at all levels. Take up leadership but be people-centered and service oriented,” Ms Matembe said.

The Ex Minister also argued students to campaign for the restoration of the Presidential Term Limits.

WHAT STUDENTS WANT

Sheila Nduhukire, The Guild President MUST " A Uganda where corruption is a risk, equal opportunities and the rule of law".

Nicholas Masajjage - MUST: "A Uganda where everyone from school has a job. That can happen because we have a lot of resources."

What kind of Uganda do you want to live in?