By Akansasira Junior Victor
Dear Mr. K. David Mafabi,
I am writing to debunk your article, “BIOLOGY IS NOT IDEOLOGY,” published in on DailyExpress on Tuesday, August 20, 2024. While I agree that biology is not ideology, I strongly disagree with your dismissive tone towards the role of younger generations in shaping the development process in different countries including in the government you flatter daily in the early 1960s -70s. You read a few statistical examples of where the young generation has done it well in different countries below.
Your article comes across as elitist and dismissive of the energy and ideas that young people bring to the table. You seem to imply that only those who have slowed down with age have the wisdom and experience to lead.* This is not only inaccurate but also dangerous, as it stifles the creativity and innovation that young people can bring to the development process.
Mr. Presidential Advisor -Sir, in your article, you fail to acknowledge the historical significance of youth-led movements in driving social change. From the anti-colonial struggles to the civil rights movement, look at the time of the person you work for during his generation, Mr Museveni How old was he? Was he biologically oriented or ideologically disoriented? Young people have consistently played a crucial role in challenging the status quo and pushing for progress in different countries.
Mr. Presidential Advisor – On Political Affairs in Statehouse (Mafabi David K) – Why are you not giving us live examples where the young generation have changed governments using their “BIOLOGICAL -IDEOLOGY”?
In Sudan (2019), where over 60% of the population is under 30 and young people led protests that ousted President Bashir after 30 years in power; In *Kenya (2010),* where 78% of the population is under 35 and youth-led protests led to the passage of a new constitution, *Don’t forget about the 2024- GenZs protests that shook the RUTOs mis leadership*
Do you remember the *Tunisia of (2010),* where 65% of the population is under 29 and *young people sparked the Arab Spring,* leading to the ousting of President Ben Ali? What about *South Africa (1976),* where high school students led the Soweto Uprising against apartheid, paving the way for future resistance? *May be go to India also in (2011),* where 65% of the population is under 35 and young people led an anti-corruption movement, resulting in the passage of the Lokpal Bill.
Mr. David Mafabi K find the books like *Cry the Beloved Country by Allan Parton* *Betrayal in the City* *Weep Not Child, I will marry when I want,* maybe add the best example of situations in our country *ANIMAL FARM BY GEORGE ORWELL* You will realize that your article is, in other words, telling us the young people to prove that we are *BIOLOGICAL AND IDEOLOGICALLY UPRIGHT BUT MISGUIDED BY THE AGED-DISORIENTED AND SELFISH, CORRUPT GENERATION.*
Mr. Presidential Advisor on Political Affairs in Statehouse, The above-mentioned *youth-led movements* were driven by various factors, including *Unemployment, planned rampant poverty , economic inequality, political repression, and demands for social justice*. In Sudan, for example, young people protested against economic hardship and political oppression, with 60% of the population living below the poverty line. In Kenya, youth-led protests focused on constitutional reform and greater political representation, with 50% of the population aged 18-35 feeling excluded from politics. In Tunisia, young people sought to overthrow a corrupt and authoritarian government, with 40% of the population aged 15-29 unemployed.*The same thing is happening in Uganda in the 21st century of the learned and educated but hopeless generation.*
The impact of these youth-led movements has been significant, with each resulting in substantial political and social change. In Sudan, the protests led to the establishment of a transitional government, with 50% of the cabinet positions held by young people. In Kenya, the new constitution increased youth representation in government, with 30% of parliamentary seats now held by young people. In Tunisia, the Arab Spring led to the establishment of a democratic government, with 40% of the population aged 18-35 participating in the 2011 elections. In South Africa, the Soweto Uprising paved the way for future resistance against apartheid, with 50% of the population aged 15-29 participating in the anti-apartheid movement. In India, the anti-corruption movement led to the passage of the Lokpal Bill, with 60% of the population aged 18-35 supporting the movement.
*Mr. Mafabi K David- Sir, I therefore, want to inform you that, *it’s only in Uganda where the majority energetic, ideologically trained and commissioned Cadres are used and dumped in dustbins.* *It is only in Uganda where the generation of over 80% of the youth are poor, unemployed are comfortable and peaceful in fear of losing lives on streets.* *It is only in Uganda where the young generation is blamed for being money minded, materialistic, opportunistic when the blamed are languishing on streets and ghettos, yet professional thieves are well defended in offices.* Mr. Mafabi K David- prove me wrong whether it is not only in Uganda where *the over 80% of the population are represented by 5 leaders in Parliament and a person is picked somewhere to represent them as a minister*
*Mr. Mafabi K David and your colleagues,* don’t take our silence for granted. Our misrepresentation on a high table is a disappointment. We are ideologically sharp but we only have selfish and non-patriotic leaders around the leader of youth *BIO-IDEOLOGICAL GOVERNMENT.*
I also take issue with your reduction of ideology to a simplistic, age-based binary. Ideology is complex and multifaceted, and cannot be reduced to a single factor such as age. Your attempt to pit “youthful enthusiasm” against “ideological clarity” is a false dichotomy that ignores the many young people who are deeply committed to ideological struggle.
Finally, I am concerned about the implications of your article for the Mwangaza Online Ideological Study Program. By dismissing the role of younger generations, you risk alienating the very people who are most likely to be interested in this program.
I hope that in the future, you will take a more nuanced and inclusive approach to discussing the role of young people in shaping the development process.
The writer is a patriot and Pan Africanist (vj.akansasira@gmail.com, 0702969211/ 0785499836)
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