As Uganda marks 62 years of independence, the role of youth in the nation’s journey to sovereignty and its post-independence development cannot be overstated. From the early days of the independence struggle, young people have been at the forefront of shaping Uganda’s political landscape.
A glance at history reveals that Uganda’s early leaders were, in fact, youthful. The first Chief Minister, Benedicto Kiwanuka, was 38 when he led the Democratic Party to victory in the 1961 elections. Milton Obote, who became the country’s first Prime Minister after the 1962 elections, was just 37 when he guided Uganda to formal independence on October 9, 1962.
This youthful dynamism is a testament to the ability of young people to contribute significantly to the nation’s progress. The early leaders showed that youth was not a barrier but a strength, capable of delivering change and charting the course for future generations.
However, Uganda’s political journey has not been smooth. The 1971 military coup, led by Idi Amin, saw the nation plunge into chaos, with widespread human rights abuses and economic decline.
During this time, it was again young leaders, particularly President Yoweri Museveni, who stood up to reclaim Uganda’s dignity. At the age of 35, Museveni, along with other young patriots, took up arms under the banner of the National Resistance Army (NRA) in 1981. This rebellion against a corrupt and dictatorial regime set the stage for the liberation of Uganda from oppression.
Museveni’s rise to power in 1986 marked a turning point, particularly for Uganda’s youth. Through initiatives like the National Youth Council Act of 1992, which aimed to unify and engage the youth in national activities, young people found spaces to express their political ambitions and contribute to governance.
Today, Uganda boasts over 547,200 young leaders at the only village level, wjth others like youth councillors, and Youth Members of Parliament, all testaments to the impact of these initiatives under the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government.
The demographic reality today, as revealed by the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), shows that youth and children form over 75.1% of the population.
Despite the efforts of the NRM government to address youth empowerment through programs such as the Youth Livelihood Program, the Youth Capital Venture Fund, Emyooga, and the Parish Development Model (with 30% reserved for youth), significant challenges persist. These include poverty, unemployment, limited access to capital, and, perhaps most critically, a mindset that has left many young people divided.
Economic independence, the final frontier for Uganda’s youth, remains elusive for many. While political spaces have opened, and opportunities for participation in governance have expanded, true empowerment can only be realized when economic barriers are dismantled. The economic struggles faced by the youth today are a reminder that the fight for independence is not over.
The next phase must focus on uplifting young Ugandans economically, ensuring they have the tools, knowledge, and capital to drive the country forward.
As we reflect on Uganda’s 62 years of independence, the key lessons for today’s youth are clear. First, like the young leaders who secured Uganda’s independence and the young rebels who fought for its liberation from dictatorship, today’s youth must embrace unity. Political manipulation by older politicians has created divisions within the youth movement, making them vulnerable to exploitation. True progress will only come when the youth rise above these divides, recognizing their shared potential as the future leaders of Uganda.
Second, mindset change is critical. The challenges Uganda faces today require innovative thinking and a rejection of defeatist attitudes. Youths must embrace entrepreneurship, creativity, and resilience. While government programs provide opportunities, the real transformation lies in how the youth seize these opportunities and work together to build a prosperous Uganda.
I believe that the future of Uganda lies in the hands of its youth. Our predecessors have paved the way with their courage and vision. It is now up to us to complete the journey toward full economic independence and build a Uganda that offers opportunity and dignity for all.
Conclusively, I am happy to share birth dates with Uganda, the Pearl of Africa. It’s a blessing to be part of this nation’s journey and growth. Happy birthday to me and a joyous 62nd birthday to Uganda! May we continue to strive toward a prosperous future together.
#UgAt62
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The writer, Emma Bwayo is a youthful politician, journalist, and law student
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