Shem Godwins

Since I came of age, my little misplaced political maturity doesn’t allow me to praise politicians’  campaign pledges that are shouted at rallies. 

While politics involves decision making and power relation between individuals, politicians have, however, turned it into a science of deception and fraud. It’s like a hippo rescuing a wildebeest from the jaws of a crocodile only to kill it for trespassing its territory. 

Politicians in particular like to manipulate my kind – the youth. 

Every election year, we hear a tiring repetition of the same story: creation of jobs for the youth, women empowerment and improved living conditions for all. 

It is the same tale that the proponents of the bottom-up economic model, Azimio La Umoja and other movements are repeating in their campaigns.

In 2013, the Jubilee coalition, which eventually won the election, pledged to provide laptops for every single child joining public primary school. The pledge failed to materialise.

Not to mention the stadiums that were to be constructed “in a couple of months” among others.

When running for office, politicians enslave our hopes into voting for them.

August 9 is approaching fast and the fantastical promises are all over the place. Most of the big promises target young people. But things don’t have to be this way. The youth should be the agents of change.

Young people should focus on enhancing development through new energy, fresh ideas and instituting enthusiasm into programmes, seeking credibility in organisations and governance.

These can be  achieved through direct participation in elections by running for elective positions or indirectly by educating the voters to  make the most suitable choices. This is a civilised way to amplify our voices. 

Sadly, this never been achieved as most youths, after getting elected, subscribe to the old political system and take sides, forgetting what they should really stand for. 

Disregarding our duty to stand for the best interests of the current and future generations by perpetuating hatred, tribalism and nepotism that have hindered the political stability of our country, is our undoing.

We should always remember the aftermath of 2007 and 2017 elections and the role the youth played in these unfortunate chapters of our country’s history.

If we don’t use our intelligence,  we will always destroy the infant resources available then later complain of lack of employment.

Whether you fight, shout and do all manner of things in the name of your favourite politician, the results will never be different. 

Change is achieved through an intelligent approach. We cannot be doing the same things and expect different results.

Let’s us denounce being used as tools for giving power to our oppressors but rather work in the spirit of Bobi Wine of Uganda, Thomas Sankara of Burkina Faso and other notable focused youths to liberate our country. 

Politicians will always be politicians. It is not mandatory that you attend a campaign rally. If you have to, never allow yourself be used to cause chaos and unnecessary disruptions.

Your views will never be heard when you throw stones at a leader you don’t like or heckle. Attend a rally if you have to, listen to their policies and make an independent decision.

Ending up in jail, sustaining an injury or losing your life are all meaningless.

Take your time, register as a voter, then wait for right time to disagree through the ballot by electing your preferred candidate.

Whether we fight or not, we are sure to suffer regardless of our political choices. Say no to leaders who use politics to create weapons and enemies for their benefit.

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