Why youth participation in national leadership is critical

The youth in Uganda have been at the forefront of political change since pre-colonial times and in the tumultuous post-independence period, more youth held guns to kill and others were killed too.
They were both perpetrators of political violence and victims of it. It was hoped that a return to democracy would herald a new era of peaceful youth participation. The youth also have varying levels of knowledge and experience, they have information to influence change both at national and regional levels.

As one of the youngest countries in the world, the demographic numbers on Uganda’s youth are staggering. According to the 2012 report by the UN Population Fund, Uganda has one of the world’s highest percentage of young people at 78 per cent. Furthermore, the country’s 2014 Population and Housing Census figures put the youth population at 42 per cent. In the new democracies of the world, the role of the youth is of special importance, and in the world today, the youth should and must remain key players in development. Established democracies ensure that the youth space is clear.
The older generations of the society, which include leaders that have been discredited in democratic regime and many have supported, tolerated and continue to carry high lifetime leaders.

They do not oppose or advise the leaders to stick to what relative democracy demands. They are always in the feel good position not to say a word to criticise the wrongs perpetuated by regimes.
In contrast, young politicians discuss the undemocratic practices of regimes without any bias. They talk boldly, act without fear and want always to see a free society where all voices are heard. The youth in an effort to raise their voices, have ended up becoming prominent in demonstrations and active critics in social media platforms.

The way in which a seemingly democratic government develops is of special concern to the young people. If any democracy demonstrates continuous weaknesses, unbridged gaps between the young and the old, social biases, limited engagement and poor policies, this kind of arrangement propels idealistic young people to become indifferent or turn out cynical in reaction. This, therefore, makes them raise pressure in a bid to have a better government.

According to Tom Malinowski, the US Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labour, he framed the situation perfectly in his keynote address at a youth panel co- hosted by IRI at Uganda’s Makerere University in November 2016, saying: “Youth have an incredible power to influence the future of the country, but not by voting do they leverage that power - their presence in an election means that candidates have to speak to issues that youth care about, if youth don’t show up, then they have left all of that power on table, for someone to pickup”.
Uganda Martyrs University has done its best to nurture youth into reputable leaders through its renown trademark of moral uprightness in the country and overseas.

For Uganda to achieve sustainable development, there must be a deliberate move that intends to involve the youth at all levels of governance. Affirmative action is not enough because it doesn’t address the issue of youth participation, but touches the insignificant aspect of representation.

If we are to move well forward, the country must make use of the knowledge and wisdom of the youth. We must embrace this dear nation, students and the entire community. In virtue we lead the world! Virtute et sapiencia Duc mudum.

Mr Bitariho is union governor, Uganda Martyrs University-Fort Portal Campus.
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