By Hakim Kyeswa
As we commemorate the International Youth Day, it is disheartening to witness the National Youth Council representatives of Uganda engage in a fight over poor feeding, as seen on television. The annual council meeting, held on 11 August every year, is meant to discuss crucial issues concerning the youth in the country, such as the work plan and budget for the upcoming financial year.
However, in Uganda, this meeting has not been successful for the past four years, raising questions about who is responsible for drafting and passing these important plans and budgets.
Despite the efforts of previous leaders like Samuel Kavuma and Aber Lillian to protect the organization’s image, the current council headed by one Jacob Eyeru has been plagued by poor administration and corruption allegations, resulting in premature endings of meetings and delegates signing for transport allowances without addressing any significant issues.
One cannot help but wonder why this is happening under the leadership of Jacob Eyeru, who was the weakest candidate in the 2020 elections but was endorsed and voted in after the disqualification of his competitor.
As a council representing a significant number of young people, the National Youth Council should be well-organized. It is disheartening to see such chaos and confusion within an organization that is meant to serve the youth.
With anger and disappointment, it should be mentioned that last month, Jacob Eyeru and his colleagues, the NEC members at NYC, were at the center of media attention due to allegations of embezzling 40 million each from funds meant to organize the 30th anniversary of NYC in Luwero. The issue gained more attention when President Museveni had released 1 billion to support the event, which was later cancelled just three days before its scheduled date.
The NEC members explained that the President was not available to preside over the function, leading to the sharing of funds among themselves. However, these actions raise questions, as the President is not the only leader capable of being a guest of honor. It is evident that this was a well-planned scheme to steal money, especially since the majority of the NEC members are aspiring to run for MP positions in the upcoming elections.
It is disheartening to see the leaders of an organization that has been a breeding ground for prominent leaders use it for their personal gain. It is time for all stakeholders to come together and protect the image of NYC from these deceitful individuals. I strongly urge the electorate to reject these NEC members in their constituencies as they lack the moral authority to lead after causing the collapse of NYC.
As former members, we can only use our words to expose their mistakes, but as the current leadership’s term ends next year, it is crucial for young people to choose leaders who will restore the organization’s integrity.
The Writer is a former Youth leader and head of Digital Media at the office of the National Chairman – Kyambogo. Email:hakimkim255@gmail.com
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