An election looms. Politicians plot how to exploit the youth to meet their political ends. On the other hand, security across the board lay in wait to deal with the youth tempted to wreck havoc during a looming election. Against that backdrop, the Katikkiro of Buganda, Owek Charles Peter Mayiga warns the youths to steer clear of any form of violence.
Mayiga adds his voice to that of the Chairman of the Electoral Commission, Justice Simon Mugenyi Byabakama, who has always prudently warned the youths to avoid politicians who are capable of rallying them to wreck havoc for their own selfish ends. Now, security are commanded by the Constitution of the Republic to protect Ugandans and their properties.
For that matter, security forces cannot idly sit by and merely gaze as a section of people are wrecking havoc since in doing so, they would be violating the Constitution of the Republic and the consequences of such laxity is dire including a firing squad. Security do not work with flowers while dealing with violence. They use guns and guns kill or maim, rendering it very crucial for especially the youths not to dare cross the red line by clashing with security forces for whatever reason.
Compellingly, Ugandans in security uniforms are our brothers, sisters, sons, daughters, in-laws and so, let us not put them in the big dilemma of manhandling and arresting us by provoking them in whatever manner that is unlawful. Owek Mayiga and the Electoral Commission Chairman, Justice Byabakama encourage the youth to participate in elections as voters, candidates, agents of candidates, polling agents and in whatever other manner which is lawful.
A youth voter should step out and vote, step back and stay out of trouble. A youth candidate should vouch for votes in such a manner that doesn’t cause a breach of peace and public order. Respecting both the law and lawful orders do not hurt anyone but assist law-abiding citizens to stay out of trouble. It doesn’t make sense at all for a youth to be arrested and thrown in prison for years on end, without doing productive work for him or herself, his or her dependants and the country at large.
It doesn’t make sense to destroy public infrastructure like roads, buildings, police stations, railway stations since public funds are spent all over again to restore what had been razed as opposed to putting in place other missing required infrastructure and offering much required public services like education, health, public transport and so on.
Nor does it make sense to destroy private investments since doing so discourages foreign investors from investing in Uganda and everyone loses because private investors provide employment to citizens and pay taxes spent by the State to provide the required public services and infrastructure like roads and so on.
The EC Chairman, Justice Byabakama cautions the youth not engage in bribery and other electoral offenses since the law is not suspended during election period nor are police stations and prisons closed down during election period. Owek Mayiga counsels the youth to use their vote to elect the leader they want and avoid abusing or clashing with other candidates they don’t want since other Ugandans want them and it’s their constitutional right to vote for them and vice versa.
Most importantly, elections come and go but the country and the citizens stay behind and it’s therefore crucial put country and citizens above selfish interests much of which could be short-lived and harmful. Finally, when campaigns begin let all of us remain peaceful, orderly and responsible in order to convey a message to the rest of the world that we are a civilized, a lawful and a God fearing nation.
Author Profile
- Mr. Stephen Kasozi Muwambi is a seasoned crime investigative writer, majoring in judicial-based stories. His two decades’ experience as a senior investigative journalist has made him one of the best to reckon on in Uganda. He can also be reached via [email protected]
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