Minister of Local Government, Raphael Magyezi, has called on Ugandan youths to use International Youth Day as an opportunity to recognize and credit President Yoweri Museveni for the opportunities he has created for young people in the country. Magyezi emphasized the President’s close connection with the youth, noting that Museveni often fondly refers to them as “Bazukulu,” a Luganda term meaning “grandchildren.”
Magyezi’s remarks come amid growing discontent among some young Ugandans, who have taken to social media to express their rejection of the “Bazukulu” label. They argue that the term is used to downplay their demands for better service delivery and that it implies a need for uncritical respect towards elders, including the President. Critics say the label undermines their right to hold the government accountable.
Despite these criticisms, Magyezi defended President Museveni, describing him as one of the strongest allies of the youth in East Africa.
“He indeed fondly refers to the youths as Bazukulu and in any address, he highlights the opportunities created under the NRM government for the youth in terms of education, health, and immunization. I think this Youth Day is an opportunity to give the President credit for the good job done in this country in providing opportunities for the youth,” said Magyezi.
As International Youth Day approaches, the debate over the “Bazukulu” label and the broader relationship between the government and young people in Uganda continues to gain attention.
Gen Z youth protests against Museveni Government
Youth protests in Uganda, known as the “March to Parliament,” erupted on July 23, 2024, as a response to widespread allegations of corruption and dissatisfaction with government accountability. Demonstrators, primarily young people, took to the streets of Kampala, demanding the resignation of Speaker of Parliament Anita Among and four other legislators who had recently received a controversial public service award. The protests were driven by growing frustration over the misuse of taxpayer money and the perceived lack of transparency in government operations. Activists organized and amplified their message through the hashtag #March2Parliament, calling for an audit of parliamentarians’ incomes and greater scrutiny of government spending.
The government’s response to the protests was swift and heavy-handed, with a significant security presence deployed in and around Kampala. Police and military forces arrested dozens of protesters, many of whom were unarmed and carrying placards. There was a tense atmosphere as demonstrators were forcibly removed and placed in police trucks. Participants voiced their grievances about the deteriorating conditions in the country, such as poor infrastructure and inadequate public services, which they attributed to corruption.
The protests underscored a growing discontent among Uganda’s youth regarding the political climate, particularly under President Yoweri Museveni’s administration, which has faced criticism for corruption and governance issues.
