Youth involvement in violent extremism especially during election times in Uganda has been occasioned with tragic outcomes and continues to pose not only a threat to peace but security of an nation.
With the skyrocketing youth unemployment and biting poverty also comes with frustration which is easily translated into violence with the most recent incidence being the outbreak of COVID-19 which saw direct confrontation between the youth and security agencies as they were trying to enforce the COVID-19 restrictions which affected youth livelihoods.
“Many youths are lured into acts of violent extremism with some little money because they lack opportunities to economically empower themselves. As AFFCAD, we work towards providing youth with employable skills like vocational and entrepreneurship skills to enable them find employment to improve their livelihoods,” Prudence Atukwatse, Executive Director AFFCAD
The awareness campaign was launched in November, 2022 to create awareness on violent extremism was done through the media and direct engagements with stakeholders targeting youths in slum areas of Kampala. The campaign which was implemented in partnership with officials from the Ministry of ICT/National Guidance, Ministry of Internal Affairs, the National Prevention/Countering Violent Extremism National Technical working group, Counter Terrorism Unit, other Civil society organizations and networks, youth leaders and the community youth reached nearly two million youth from Kampala and beyond while directly engaging sixty three youth (forty males and 23 females) through capacity building sessions and dialogues.
“Peace is a key principle, unity and progress are fundamental,” said the Assistant Commissioner, Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, Jonah Jackson Bakalikwira.
Four radio talk shows were held on Capital FM, CBS Emanduso and Galaxy FM while two TV talk shows were held on NBS TV and Bukedde TV alongside one Hybrid dialogue and one orientation meeting done for local leaders.
“I am happy to be part of the youth creating change in my community. Youth are the cornerstone of society hence the need to be involved in peace building, I am happy that awareness on Violent Extremism is being created,” Ssali Stella, a youth leader from Rubaga Division stated.
As AFFCAD, we continue to call upon all stakeholders to continue spreading awareness on the vice that is violent extremism especially among young people who remain vulnerable to being recruited into acts of violent extremism.
Written By Namatovu Doris Isabel
Fundraising and Communications Officer, AFFCAD.
