Hope is our weapon: A call to Uganda’s youth

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OPINION

By Douglas Mabirizi

Being a youth in Uganda, especially from the ghetto, is a daily fight. A fight against poverty, unemployment, broken systems, and the feeling of being forgotten. Many of us grow up surrounded by struggle, where survival comes before dreams, and hope feels like a luxury. But even in the hardest times, hope is born, and hope is powerful.

As youths, we must understand this truth: our background does not define our destination. The ghetto is not a dead end; it is a training ground for resilience, creativity, and strength. But hope alone is not enough; it must be organised, guided, and put to work.

This is why ghetto youths must get involved in ghetto structures, youth groups, community associations, SACCOs, skilling centres, sports clubs, and creative hubs. These structures give us a voice, protect us from exploitation, and connect us to opportunities. Alone we struggle; together we grow.

The boy child and the girl child must both be empowered. Skilling is not a sign of failure; it is a pathway to independence. Carpentry, mechanics, tailoring, ICT, welding, agriculture, art, music, and digital skills are real opportunities. Government programs and development initiatives exist, but they can only help youths who are informed, organised, and willing to participate. Let us seek them out, apply, and hold leaders accountable to deliver.

At the same time, we must confront one of Uganda’s biggest enemies: corruption. Corruption is a viral cancer eating up our future, stealing jobs, killing services, and destroying trust. The fight against corruption cannot be left to leaders alone. It starts with me and you. Refusing to give or take bribes, speaking up when we see wrong, reporting abuse, and choosing integrity even when it is hard—these are powerful acts of patriotism.

Our greatest weapon is our voice. “See something, say something.” Silence protects corruption; courage defeats it. As youths, we must use all available avenues, especially social media, not for hate, misinformation, or destruction, but for education, awareness, accountability, and positive change. A phone in your hand is a tool. Use it wisely.

Hope lives when basic needs are met, but transformation comes when youths take responsibility for their future. Uganda’s young generation is not helpless—we are the solution. If we stay united, skilled, informed, and bold, we can change our lives and rebuild our nation.

The writer is a patriotic youth