Kampala — Despite the progress made by the NRM Government to empower the youth, their prospects remain challenging. To begin with, the education system requires an overhaul. Then the prosperity-for-all programme needs to be revisited and entrepreneurial skills emphasised.

Our graduates do not know Uganda and hardly appreciate it. This is an issue that calls for deeper examination and solution because the more they distance themselves from the country, the less involved they are in leadership and economic activities.

About 18 million Ugandans are under 16 years of age, and thus dependant on parental support. They are consumers and not producers. Those who are above 16 years, but below 35 are called the youth, and they account for eight to 10 million of the population.

They are expected to be the creators of national wealth. But do they understand themselves and their role in national life? Look at their leadership, NRM youth league, what are their development proposals to the leadership of the party? Some are even struggling to hang onto their leadership positions. What about UYD or Forum for Democratic Change youth leagues?

These questions require answers especially from the youth themselves. In many ways the issues involved point to our past and the national psyche, the shrinking globe, technological advances and other factors.

Before colonialism, our society had its tradition and culture with clearly defined roles for its members. However, with the infusion of religious and other aspects of Western 'civilisation' our culture began to degenerate and the positive aspects were destroyed.

The Western religious missions called African traditions primitive and satanic. Gradually, we now have a culturally rootless youth, with little or no historical understanding of their values. It is no wonder, therefore, that many youth are ideologically deficient and cannot understand Uganda's vision.

It is this situation that calls for policy formulators and implementers to move fast and help the young generation.

The writer is a Pan Africanist