{UAH} US Embassy Urges Makerere Students To Rise Up Against Gov't

By Edison Akugizibwe

Students at Makerere University looked on in shock on Thursday morning as a United States Embassy official urged the youth to rise up and challenge their government to respect human rights, a statement that comes just a few days after President Museveni signed the anti-homosexuality Bill.

The remarks are likely to enrage Kampala after U.S President Barack Obama warned of strained relations over the Anti-gay Bill. President Museveni has since warned US against meddling in Uganda’s domestic affairs, saying Africa has never interfered in the west’s lifestyle.  “You, the youth of Uganda, have the numbers and the energy to be agents of positive change in this country,” said Kevin Pripe, the U.S. Embassy Cultural Affairs Officer at the Makerere University College of Computing and Information Sciences during an ICT fair. The initiative, according to the College Communication Officer, Ms Maria Muzaaki, was sponsored by the American Embassy in Uganda, Resilience Africa Network (RAN) and Uganda Communications Commission (UCC). “Senior researchers and students are showcasing the latest ICT innovations in health, education, agriculture and much more under,” said Muzaaki. The event was graced by members of the American Chamber of Commerce, UN agencies, dignitaries from government and the private sector. However, while the theme of the function as “Achieving Vision 2040 through ICTs,” Kevin, who represented the US Ambassador, gave a very controversial and political speech that many believe bordered on inciting civil disobedience.  “You also have the responsibility because if you don't do it, who will? It will be up to you to define a vision of the future, and that vision, whatever it may be, will shape the nation,” Kevin told the students as he read from a carefully prepared speech.  “We challenge you to shape your nation positively, supporting a country that values human rights and a free, democratic society with economic opportunities for all Ugandans.” The strong statements come at a time when Uganda is facing hostility from western countries following the enactments of the anti-gay Bill that spells out tough penalties for aggravated homosexuality. The intention of the US embassy remains unclear. Kevin asked “When I look out at the audience I see a youthful, exuberant, energetic crowd, brimming with ideas and inspiration looking for a way to make a better life for themselves and for Uganda. Think about the Uganda you would like to see in ten or twenty years. What does it look like?”   “I suspect you’d like to see a robust economy, a solid middle class, excellent educational opportunities, great health care, an end to corruption, and a government with strong institutions that respects human rights and is responsive to the your needs. These should be Uganda's real priorities."

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*A positive mind is a courageous mind, without doubts and fears, using the experience and wisdom to give the best of him/herself.

 

 We must dare invent the future!
The only way of limiting the usurpation of power by
 individuals, the military or otherwise, is to put the people in charge  - Capt. Thomas. Sankara {RIP} ’1949-1987

 *“Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent

revolution inevitable”**…  *J.F Kennedy