The Secretary of the National Youth Council, Moses Kidega, alongside Ezra Rwashande, a prominent city lawyer, and Bard Byamugisha, a passionate youth advocate, have come out to examine the state of youth engagement in African politics and their key voices.

These discussions were made on one local television on Monday, August 26, 2024, to address the pressing need for accountability and representation in the governance of the youth.

Kidega during the discussions highlighted a historical perspective, noting that many leaders who once fought for freedom were youths themselves.

“Many leaders who fought for freedom previously were youth; however, they eventually succumbed to neo-colonialism, the cyclical nature of political disempowerment among the younger generation,” Kidega said.

He pointed out the financial barriers that hinder youth participation in politics.

“Politics is an expensive business, especially during elections. Where will the youth get the money to carry out campaigns? We need to de-commercialize politics,” Kidega noted.

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The conversation took a serious turn when Byamugisha addressed the consequences of silence from those in power during times of economic distress.

“When those in power remain silent during a period of economic dysfunction, it’s not a sign of stability but a form of oppression,” Byamugisha said.

He cautioned against waiting for drastic measures such as strikes or coups to instigate change, urging for proactive engagement instead.

Rwashande, on his part, re-echoed these sentiments, shedding light on the underrepresentation of youth in governance.

“Although the youth constitute the largest demographic in the country, their representation in Parliament is minimal. This indicates that they are underrepresented in key sectors due to disempowerment,” Rwashande explained.

Byamugisha said that the lack of youth voices in decision-making processes reflects a broader systemic issue that needs urgent attention, as he elaborated on the challenges faced by young people in Africa.

“We live in a borderless world where information sharing is immediate. However, young people are still adamant to the structural patronage in Africa, which scares them away from politics,” Byamugisha said.

This structural patronage creates an environment that discourages youth participation, leaving many feeling disenfranchised.

During the discussion, it became clear that the path to accountability in African politics requires not only the active participation of youth but also significant structural changes to ensure their voices are heard and valued.

The call for a more inclusive and representative political landscape resonates loudly, as the future of Africa increasingly depends on the engagement and empowerment of its youngest citizens.