By Our Reporter,
NATIONAL
The sun rose over the underlying rocks and the riparian vegetation of Soroti, in Eastern Uganda, and the atmosphere was electric with anticipation as multitudes gathered at Soroti Core PTC in Asuret sub-county to commemorate the International Youth Day to celebrate the country’s young people and their potential to shape the future. But beneath the surface of excitement and optimism, a sinister plot was unfolding.
Government officials and event organizers, tasked with empowering the youth, had other plans. They saw the occasion as an opportunity to line their own pockets, exploiting the trust placed in them. As the day wore on, it became clear that something was amiss. Youth delegates, eager to participate in the celebrations, were left without their promised allowances.
The news spread like wildfire, casting a dark shadow over the proceedings which shocked the youth and other delegates at the celebration.
It is reported that some ministers and state house officials colluded to embezzle funds meant for youth delegates’ allowances, and over 50 young people were left stranded at host venue without receiving their rightful payments. Further reports allege that the Minister of Youth and Children Affairs, Hon. Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi and the National Youth Council chairperson, Jacob Eyeru were allegedly aware of the situation but failed to intervene.
The incident has sparked outrage, with many voices questioning the integrity of these government officials who took advantage of the youth and swindled their allowances.
Commenting on the incident on Tuesday, the Uganda Young Democrats President also the Democratic Party Acting Spokesperson, Ismail Kiirya condemned the act of stealing from the poor and demanded for Minister Balaam Barugahara to hold accountable those responsible for the missing funds and ensure the affected youths receive their allowances.
“The International Youth Day in Uganda has instead turned out to be a money making venture in government officials instead. I was part of the international Youth Day in Soroti as an invited guest but I witnessed how the Ministers connived with state house officials and swindled money which was meant to be allowances for the youths delegates,” Kiirya said. ” We are requesting Minister Balam to talk to his fellow mafias who ran away with this money to at least sort the remaining youths.”
The reports have exposed the stark reality of Uganda’s youth challenges, highlighting the need for genuine commitment and action from the government to address these issues as the day was tainted by controversy and allegations of corruption.
