I pen this missive with profound conviction and an unyielding desire for a better Uganda.
My journey with the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) commenced in 2006 when, at the tender age of 11, trekked with my late father to Rukungiri Main Stadium for Col. Dr. Kizza Besigye’s historic homecoming rally.
The sheer magnitude of support for Besigye, who mounted a formidable challenge to President Museveni, left an indelible mark on my young mind.
For years, I lived in the conviction that Besigye was my rightful president, a belief fervently held by many FDC loyalists, until my university days.
Through the years at Ntare School and Makerere University while pursuing humanities, my revolutionary fervor intensified, yet our efforts at Makerere to champion policy alternatives and student representation were persistently thwarted by military suppression.
I aspired for Guild President under the FDC banner but met with defeat. Subsequently, with the advent of Mugisha Muntu’s Alliance for National Transformation (ANT), my colleagues, Mugambe Boris, Kato Laban and I endeavored to establish an ANT chapter at Makerere.
Regrettably, the absence of robust structures and support from the ANT secretariat stymied our initiative.
During this period, I contemplated aligning with the National Unity Platform (NUP), but my initial visit to their secretariat unmasked a disconcerting degree of tribalism, which dissuaded me.
Although my political aspirations at
university were not fully realized in Guild leadership, they redirected my energies towards various student associations, ultimately facilitating my engagement in community-based projects.
As President of the MasterCard Foundation Scholars’ Association, and through my roles in other associations—Rujumbura University Students Association, Rukungiri University Students Association, and Ruhinda Rukungiri University Student Association—I garnered invaluable experience in planning, organizing, and executing numerous projects as Chairperson, Speaker, General Secretary, and Projects Coordinator.
These associations were instrumental in my evolution into a social worker.
Inspired by Mother Teresa’s axiom, “If you can’t feed a hundred people, then feed just one,” I relinquished my employment two years ago to make a more substantial impact on my community through my Community-Based Organization, Touch One Reach All (TOORA), which I had supervised since 2017 and formally registered in 2021.
This decision profoundly reshaped my perspective on governance, management, and leadership within my community.
My tenure with TOORA has profoundly enhanced my comprehension of community engagement and social work, equipping me for future endeavors and career progression, the foundation upon which I base my current political ideology.
TOORA’s hands-on skills training project has benefitted over 100 individuals, and our Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene initiative, in partnership with the Rural Child Empowerment Forum (RUCEF), has positively impacted over 3,000 beneficiaries, with over 15 water springs in 15 villages.
Furthermore, our career guidance campaigns have reached thousands of students. Through these initiatives, I have acquired extensive experience in community mobilization and public affairs.
Upon meticulous observation, interaction, and analysis of Uganda’s political landscape, I have reached the sobering conclusion that the opposition is replete with self-seekers, the selfish, unprincipled, emotional insurgents, moles, and anarchists, cloaked in the guise of pretense and deceit.
The opposition thrives on a foundation of deception, sustained by unholy propaganda and falsehoods.
In my community endeavors, I have noted that numerous government initiatives remain unappreciated, particularly by the youth, who sometimes spurn beneficial programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM) simply because they are government-led.
This opposition mentality is pernicious.
For instance, while I was applying for the PDM loan, a friend questioned why I, with my educational background, would support a government program. Another acquaintance refused to plant coffee seedlings provided by government supporters. Such attitudes, I believe, are more detrimental to our communities than any perceived dictatorship.
These experiences have convinced me that ascribing political colors to developmental tools is a toxic mentality that obstructs progress. It is imperative for the youth to focus on development rather than being ensnared by political divisions.
Community members who embrace government programs invariably lead better lives.
Uganda is one of the few African nations where one can initiate a business and realize a profit within a day. Despite this, some are quick to denounce the government, overlooking the myriad opportunities it presents from peace and stability flourishing daily.
I have to restate that as educated individuals, we bear the obligation to contribute to our communities, whether as technocrats, professionals, opinion leaders, or social workers, no matter the landscape. It is lamentable to remain passive; even participation in the opposition can be constructive.
Our generation must not, and should never, expect forgiveness and compassion from our forebears, posterity, and the spirits of unborn generations if history records that after 37 years of NRM governance, with countless opportunities availed daily through our taxes, we were the very ones who undermined the revolutionary government’s development agenda and chose poverty.
I unequivocally dissociate myself from such treachery.
My dream is to transform communities, aiding the young generation and less privileged in realizing their full potential by fortifying institutions and promoting social justice.
Having received a quality education through scholarships and bursaries, I am committed to humility and community service.
My support for the NRM government does not imply an endorsement of its infallibility. Governments comprise people, and where there are people, there will be selfishness and a thirst for power.
These must be checked by robust systems and democratic processes, principles I hold so dear.
In this new journey, I aspire to contribute to our generation by spearheading self-help projects and income-generating initiatives among the youth while embracing the NRM government’s programs that will ultimately propel us toward the Uganda we need.
Purposively, it is only sensible to collaborate with the ruling party in community development efforts.
Globally, development partners work with governments to pursue social equality and progress.
Ultimately, it is our collective duty to contribute to the advancement of our communities and nation. By focusing on constructive engagement and practical solutions, we can forge a brighter future for all. I condemn the ill-intentioned elements within the regime just as I do those in the opposition who reject development purely because it is government-driven.
As a youth, I stand firmly against embezzlement, sectarianism, tribalism, and intrigue.
In light of these revelations and insights, I challenge and urge all of you, my colleagues, the commendable youth of FDC, NUP and other political affiliations, to join hands with me and other well-meaning, development-oriented Ugandans in our quest for prosperity and transformation of this beautiful country, endowed with abundant resources, awaiting our collective and visionary action to bring about fundamental change.
Thank You, and May God Bless You All Abundantly.
LEVI TUKUNDANE NAPOLEO
