EJIKU Justine
Once upon a time in a small village, a man set a rat trap to protect his home. When the rat discovered the danger, it urgently warned the cow, goat, and cock. Dismissively, they scoffed at the rat, believing the trap posed no risk to them. Tragedy struck when a baby fell victim to the trap, leading to her death. In the aftermath, the priest’s visit led to the cock being slaughtered, the goat met a similar fate during funeral preparations, and the cow was sacrificed to feed the mourners. In the end, all perished except the initially dismissed rat.
This story mirrors the current political climate in Kenya and serves as a dire warning for Uganda. The recent Gen Z protests in Kenya are a testament to what happens when a government ignores the voices of its people, particularly its youth. Uganda stands on the brink of a similar crisis, facing the same socioeconomic challenges and governmental indifference.
The events in Kenya should not be viewed in isolation, as they reflect a broader trend across Africa. Recent coups that swept across West Africa underscore the pivotal role of young people as a decisive force in political change, even within military ranks. From Niger’s overthrow of President Bazoum by the military in July 2023 to Burkina Faso’s army removing President Roch Kabore in January 2022 and other coups, such as Guinea’s Colonel Mamady Doumbouya seizing power in September 2021 and Chad’s military takeover following President Idriss Deby’s death in April 2021, to Mali’s 2020 coup led by colonels against President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, youth within these armies have consistently played instrumental roles.
These dynamics are starkly evident in Kenya, where the current protests stand out due to their decentralized nature. Unlike previous protests led by opposition figures, this uprising is leaderless, driven by the collective frustration of young people organizing online. This new form of activism demonstrates the immense power of social media in uniting and galvanizing a population around a common cause. What was once a platform for the corrupt government officials to defend themselves, the church too, has become a rallying point for the mobilization of young people, signalling a seismic shift in public sentiment and a clear message that it is no longer “business as usual.”
Uganda is teetering on the edge of a similar precipice. High youth unemployment, a spiralling cost of living, and economic policies that ignore the plight of the young create a perfect storm for potential unrest. Concerned citizens and watchdogs have consistently flagged issues of embezzlement, misappropriation of public funds, and excessive taxation. Yet, these warnings have fallen on deaf ears as those in power continue to prioritize personal gain over the welfare of the nation.
Through excessive taxation and economic mismanagement, citizens have been left to struggle with rising costs of living, diminishing public services, and dwindling economic opportunities, while political elites continue to prosper. Lavish expenditures and opulent lifestyles funded by embezzled public funds stand in stark contrast to the everyday hardships endured by the majority.
The Ugandan government must now tread cautiously given the recent demographic insights revealed by UBOS’s preliminary population results, indicating that a significant majority of Uganda’s population, 33.5 million to be exact are under the age of 30 years. This youthful demography represents a formidable force, characterized by widespread dissatisfaction and discontentment with the current administration. Ignoring their voices or resorting to high-handed measures risks further inflaming tensions and exacerbating the divide between the government and its citizens. The demographic reality underscores the urgent need for responsive governance, policies that address youth unemployment, economic inclusivity, and genuine efforts to restore public trust.
As the embers of discontent settle amidst the smouldering ruins of Uganda’s parliament, cabinet, and judicial offices, our government must learn from the recent protests in Kenya. The arrogance and opulence displayed by our politicians, coupled with the heavy-handed tactics of security forces, can spark defiance among our people. It is fortunate for now that fear and intimidation have kept many in check, but history tells us that such oppression cannot quell the will of a determined populace forever. The events in Kenya should serve as a stark warning: listen to the grievances of the people, uphold accountability, and respect the rights of citizens before the simmering dissent erupts into a force that cannot be contained. The future of Uganda hinges on whether our leaders choose to embark on a path of genuine reform and inclusivity.
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