Uganda is facing complexities under President Museveni

Under the leadership of President Yoweri Museveni, Uganda is currently grappling with a range of complexities, including economic challenges, rampant corruption, and political instability.

These issues have posed significant obstacles to the development and progress of the country. This article delves into the intricacies of Uganda’s situation and explores the impacts of these complexities on its citizens and the international community.

In Uganda, corruption is not limited to a specific sector; it permeates every sphere of society. Institutions that are expected to uphold high ethical standards, such as the Church, hospitals, and schools, are not immune to the destructive impact of corruption. However, it is in the workplace that corruption seems to be most prevalent and deeply entrenched.

Many Ugandans, in their pursuit of success, have come to embrace corruption as a means to thrive and succeed. The prevalent mindset is that one must engage in corrupt practices, such as offering bribes or engaging in unethical behaviour, in order to achieve their objectives. This has created a culture where corruption is normalised and even expected.

The consequences of corruption are far-reaching and have implications for every Ugandan citizen. One of the most glaring examples of this is the government’s initiatives to provide free primary and secondary education, as well as healthcare services. While these initiatives may seem laudable on the surface, the reality is that corruption has compromised their effectiveness.

Due to corruption, the benefits of these services are often not accessible to those who need them the most. Resources meant for the provision of free education and healthcare are syphoned off by corrupt officials, leaving the ordinary citizens without the services they are entitled to. The very institutions that are supposed to uplift the nation have become symbols of the pervasive corruption that plagues the country.

It is crucial to understand that corruption is not an inherent characteristic of the Ugandan people; rather, it is the result of a lack of strong leadership and accountability. Those in positions of authority and decision-making are the ones responsible for perpetuating the culture of corruption.

The rampant corruption and income inequality in our country have brought about a sick and infected system. Some individuals in Uganda rely on handouts while others have no idea how to handle their wealth. It’s clear that this is not the natural way of life. So how can we work towards creating a more equitable society for everyone?

The Inspector General of Government, Betti Kamya, recognizes the urgent need to combat corruption in Uganda. To address this issue, various digital strategies are being implemented under her leadership. The IGG has released a report that encompasses insights from public institutions as well as the performance of their office. This report provides crucial information and financial status updates for the Parliamentary committee’s consideration through legal and parliamentary affairs.

Betti Kamya is determined to mobilise citizens and empower them socially by developing effective strategies to eliminate corruption. This requires the active participation of all stakeholders, especially Ugandan citizens themselves.

Fighting corruption is not just a responsibility placed solely on government institutions; it is also a collective social responsibility for every Ugandan. Therefore, it is crucial for all individuals to engage in monitoring, evaluation practices, and utilise the “digital approaches” established by the government of Uganda to strengthen investigation systems. Let us all come together since this fight against corruption impacts each and every one of us significantly.

Opposition leaders paving the way for a peaceful change

The current political landscape is dominated by discussions about the upcoming 2025 general elections and the opposition’s efforts to mobilise citizens for a peaceful transition of power. While this preparation and bold move towards a better tomorrow are commendable, it is crucial to analyse how President Museveni and the NRM party came into power in 1986. To gain credibility with the public, visible approaches and practices need to be implemented. This will require challenging the current government’s actions with solid evidence and unity in front of the public.

However, let us not forget that at the core of these political discussions are everyday Ugandans who are in need of assistance. The opposition should focus on addressing household socio-economic crises and unemployment among experienced professionals as well as fresh graduates. Considering Uganda’s population of over 48 million, this task is undoubtedly complex but urgent.

The reality is that many Ugandans feel disillusioned with politics and choose not to exercise their right to vote. It is essential for opposition leaders to design strategies that emphasise the significance of voting for all Ugandans, regardless of their personal shortcomings. The level of patriotism has been challenged and undermined, as evidenced by one senior citizen’s remark about never having voted despite being 64 years old.

We must recognize that this individual’s sentiment resonates with countless others who have also abstained from voting throughout successive elections. Addressing this issue requires a holistic approach that rebuilds trust and motivates citizens to actively participate in shaping their country’s future through democratic processes.

The preparedness of the opposition leadership to change people’s attitudes towards voting is crucial. Unfortunately, many business men and women are solely focused on their own financial gain and welfare, without considering the peaceful transition of power in politics. Furthermore, the majority of Ugandans prioritise money above all else. This mindset makes it challenging for the opposition to mobilise individuals for a common cause.

To overcome these barriers, massive sensitization and mobilisation efforts at the village level are necessary nationwide. Ugandans require immediate solutions to their individual problems, which can be achieved through comprehensive strategic plans that allocate sufficient funds for addressing personal concerns rather than focusing on groups or social media platforms. It is crucial for the opposition to unite under a single umbrella with a shared objective instead of dividing themselves into multiple factions vying for power. Discipline and inclusivity are also essential qualities that should guide their actions.

Understanding that each vote counts and valuing every Ugandan will contribute significantly to serving the country with dedication and compassion in order to effect meaningful change. By implementing these suggestions, the opposition leadership can enhance their chances in the 2025 general elections and address people’s issues on a personal level.

Rampant Unemployment in Uganda

Youth unemployment and its impact on the social and economic transformation of our societies has been a recurring theme lately. However, it’s important to remember that youth unemployment is not the only issue we face. Adult unemployment also poses significant challenges in Uganda. Many men and women who graduated years ago are still struggling to find suitable employment or are forced to settle for underemployment or low wages. Unfortunately, there are no laws or regulations in place to address minimum wage or salary concerns.

Ugandans are highly educated and possess the necessary skills to excel in their respective professions. Some individuals even showcase their creativity and resourcefulness by pursuing alternative avenues for survival outside of their formal qualifications. However, those who do manage to secure traditional “jobs” often find themselves exploited and manipulated by exploitative employers. The labour market in Uganda severely restricts freedom of choice for workers.

Interestingly, some women have resorted to leveraging their “Natural Resources” as a means of securing better job opportunities and advancement in today’s competitive job market. As a result, men often struggle to compete with women when it comes to promotions and awards.

It’s clear that both youth and adult unemployment present significant challenges in Uganda, yet current efforts seem disproportionately focused on addressing youth employment concerns. To achieve true economic transformation, it is crucial that attention be given to both segments of the population facing unemployment issues.

I have had a personal experience where I was tasked with training and teaching everything to a young girl on an internship at my previous job. However, she was earning more than me, which seemed unfair. It is difficult to understand such situations.

Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident. Many Ugandans are facing similar challenges across various industries. Despite efforts by the government to promote industrialization and implement programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM) to address unemployment and spur economic growth, these measures alone are not enough to eradicate unemployment. The existing labour laws in Uganda are not effectively applicable, leading to the exploitation of Ugandans in the workforce.

To address this issue, it is crucial that we have laws in place that regulate and govern the relationship between employers and employees. These laws should protect workers from exploitation and ensure fair treatment for all Ugandans in the workplace. Only then can we truly tackle the problem of unemployment in Uganda.