By Steven Enatu
The National Youth Council is appealing to the leadership of the Judiciary and Parliament to release all arrested youths without charge and to provide alternative avenues for them to air their grievances in a more conducive manner.
In a letter written and signed by National Youth Council Chairperson Jacob Eyeru, the council acknowledges the zeal of Ugandan youths in speaking up against corruption and demanding accountability from their leaders.
Eyeru stresses in the letter that fighting corruption is a timely patriotic duty and a call for every Ugandan. He notes that all Ugandans can combat corruption in ways that may differ from one another’s approach. He adds that the National Youth Council will provide a platform for young people to engage with different arms of government in the fight against corruption.
“We have received requests from a section of young people to take up the President’s call for a dialogue between himself and the youth on the matter of corruption during his latest address. We shall seek to have this done at the earliest opportunity,” part of the letter authored by Chairperson Eyeru states.
Security forces yesterday arrested several youths marching to the Parliament of Uganda to demand the resignation of Speaker Anita Among, four commissioners of Parliament, and a reduction in the size of Parliament, among other demands in the #March2Parliament on July 23rd.
Forty-two protesters were charged in magistrate court with various offenses, including being “idle and disorderly” and being a “common nuisance.” They pleaded not guilty and were ordered to return to court on different dates between July 30 and August 6.
The National Youth Council’s appeal highlights the importance of constructive dialogue and the need for peaceful avenues for youth to express their concerns about corruption and governance.
