By Edgar Barigye Kugonza
Growing up in the countryside, many of us are familiar with the ancient tale of pythons and goats. This timeless story teaches us valuable lessons about deception and vulnerability. The story goes that when a python wants to devour a goat, it cunningly mimics the goat’s cry, deceiving its prey into coming closer. Unfortunately, the goat’s curiosity often proves fatal.
This tragic outcome serves as a cautionary tale for politicians interacting with ghetto youth and yearning to see their change of lifestyles within a fortnight. The parallels between the parable and real-life situations are striking.
Recently, one of the ghetto leaders and a signatory to their groups account attempted to withdraw 30 million shillings from their newly loaded ghetto bank account to buy a car and fund a personal business venture. Thankfully, one of his fellow signatories who had initially concurred with him later regained his senses and alerted their overseers, who swiftly intervened and foiled the plan. This close call raises critical questions.
The questions surrounding this incident are pressing. Are ghetto youth ready to manage large sums of money? Are they equipped to handle the responsibilities that come with financial resources? The answers to these questions are crucial.
The python and goat parable is a cautionary tale for politicians. Ghetto youth are known to be crafty and skilled at scheming to get what they want. They possess a unique resilience, born from navigating challenging environments. However, this resourcefulness can sometimes be misdirected. They can spin convincing stories that are hard to distinguish from fact.
Having spent time working with an organization that rehabilitates them, I’ve seen firsthand their determination and adaptability. However, this incident exposes a deeper issue. For God’s sake are ghetto youth trained in business entrepreneurship before being entrusted with government resources? Do they possess the financial literacy to manage large sums? These questions demand attention.
My crucial concern is; since the government has successfully implemented rehabilitation programs for former rebels, reintegrating them into society. Why not apply similar strategies when dealing with ghetto youth? The lessons learned from such rehabilitation programs can inform effective approaches. Funding youth before preparing them to manage funds will cause more problems than solutions. This approach can perpetuate dependency rather than empowerment.
When draw nearer to them, you will soon discover that ghetto youth struggle with trust issues and consistency, adapting to any direction without embarrassment and the reason is known; going through extreme conditions while growing up. They more often have nothing to lose when they decide to turn away from you. So, their ability to pivot quickly can be both strength and a weakness depending on the way you have engaged them.
To truly empower these youth, the government must recognize its limitations and seek guidance from experienced stakeholders. Collaboration is key to developing effective strategies. Influential figures like Pastor Robert Kayanja of Miracle Centre Cathedral have valuable insights gained from working with ghetto youth. Their expertise can inform holistic approaches. Collaboration with community leaders and organizations is vital for providing expertise, cultural understanding, holistic support, and sustainable solutions. By working together, we can create meaningful change.
That is the reason Iam calling on my brother, Honorable Balaam Barugahara since ghetto youth fall under his docket as a Minister for youth, to look for a possible way of drawing the attention of His Excellency over this contentious issue. His Ministry needs to lead the charge in developing a holistic approach to integrating ghetto youth into government programs before our fountain of honor is properly duped.
We all still remember the social media mayhem caused by youth ambassadors who got mobilization funds from statehouse and paraded themselves counting them in their vehicles. The impact of this was far reaching to other people who felt neglected. This eventually distorted our political support.
I do support long-term approach while handling these ghetto youth. I wouldn’t like us to paint a picture where society begins seeing ghetto life as the easiest way to get political handouts. I support a systematic approach for handling them, giving them skills rather than cash money because quick fixes and handouts perpetuate dependency, undermining long-term development.
So, supporting ghetto youth should focus on empowerment, not dependency. Let us not create a situation where people begin rushing to form ghetto camps as a way of winning political attention and therefore handouts. It should be done as a way of imparting skills and knowledge into these vulnerable people, so as to make them able to initiate their own income-generating projects.
This comprehensive strategy prioritizes self-sufficiency and economic independence. Effective policies require understanding the unique experiences and challenges of ghetto youth. Politicians must engage responsibly, prioritizing community-led initiatives and sustainable solutions.
So conclusively, without a comprehensive strategy that changes the mindset of ghetto youth first before they are funded, our efforts will be futile, like washing and drying the same clothes in dirty soils. Ultimately, the fate of ghetto youth will continue hanging in the balance. Will we learn from the python and goat parable and take proactive steps to protect and empower them, or will we succumb to the dangers of exploitation and manipulation which is the game they love most?
The choice is ours, and should we make a wrong choice the consequences will be far-reaching.
The writer is CEO Pamoja Communal Empowerment Network/ EMAIL: pamojauganda72@gmail.com
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