Revised Version: Uganda will burst with 130 million people by 2050

September 11, 2007
TODAY'S PICK

Our population is anticipated to be 130 million by 2050. The ongoing debate on the current population growth rate of 3.2% has elicited mixed reactions. The President and some religious leaders have been heard encouraging parents to produce more children. A positive argument here is that this will translate into a wider market for goods and services. The President believes this.

However, this raises some questions. How will a population of 130 million people be taken care of? The current dependant population, which is 50.4% of the total population, is in itself enough burden. The population explosion as seen in the current growth rate forewarns an over-dependence burden on the incomes of the households and the government.

Households with bigger numbers of children to cater for will no doubt be relegated to more impoverishment. Their capacity to save and invest will be depleted due to the huge strain on their incomes. Heavy government expenditure on social needs like education, health care and social infrastructure will be overstretched, putting the national resources at a risk of rapid depletion.

With the 3.2% population growth, the Millennium Development Goals will be far from realisation. With 130 million people in 2050, how will the government provide and sustain Universal Primary Education and Universal Secondary Education?

The current trend in economic development and growth shows that reduced population growth complements sustainable development. The developed countries with the most minimal or relatively negative population growth and sounding economies have their dependent population at about 25%. This reflects minimal dependency syndrome. So where is the logic of encouraging people to produce more children?

The government must reinforce education of the masses about family planning and economic empowerment of women. People driven laws and policies need to be made to set the highest number of children a family should have.

The President and religious leaders especially the Catholic Church, which opposes birth control, should stop encouraging parents to produce more children.

Joshua Masinde

ODM’s liberation agenda for the youth?

ODM national treasurer Hon. Omingo Magara is a young turk to beat in South Mugirango constituency. He said this at Mitchel Hall in Makerere University on a Saturday evening on 8th. He was presenting a public lecture on ‘ Kenya at cross-roads’ to Kenyan students and ODM supporters at Makerere University, Kampala-Uganda.
He stated his unwavering commitment to the party and its major concern to integrate the youth in the country’s leadership.
His assertion can be founded way back in 2005 after the infamous plebiscite in which the pro-banana camp lost to the orange camp. He was approached by the powers that be to join its ranks. It was an offer worth grabbing. However, he declined, stating that he was in ODM to stay.
The MP attributed the bedrocks bedevilling the Kenyan youth on, “Lack of accountability, democracy and good governance.”
With the old guard still tightly clenched in leadership positions, the youth have remained as the wretched of the earth. He pointed out that he found it difficult to contest and eventually win the South Mugirango parliamentary seat in 2002. Because of the challenge-phobic, degrading and retrogressive status quo of old turks, for which his mentor represented, he almost lost his life. He was considered as a youth and therefore was expected to take a back seat from politics for a little longer.
The status quo, established and maintained by the old guard is allergic to facing challenge from the younger generation that has ventured into the political field.
“Most leadership (of the old guard) refused to accept desired change,” he said. “Their history is tainted. Minus power, they can’t manage it.”
“They must be plugged” from their stations by the youth who are the strong, committed and patient lot. “Till when are the youths going to wait? We’ve had elderly leaders but no tangible change.”
On the much publicised talk of 6% economic growth, he dismisses this as a hoax. Real economic development should be felt by the poor, which the 6% failed to address. The rich have instead grown richer. The poor, thanks to the ugly ghosts of Anglo-leasing, Goldenberg and other forms of corruption, have degenerated into deeper graves of poverty. No wonder, he decried that, “Corruption is a highly rewarding business (sic!). It has higher returns with zero risks involved. That explains why Kenya is 40 times behind the Asian tigers like South Korea in development. Incidentally, at independence, Kenya was South Korea’s contemporary on an economic development platform. It is such corruption that has lain a debt of Ksh. 780 billion, which the current generation and posterity will continue servicing.
While selling ODM’s agenda to the youth (read today’s leaders’), he urged them to go out and challenge the status quo whatever the circumstances. He proffers his own example as someone who defied all threats to fight for the South Mugirango seat in 2002. Despite being looked down upon by the opponents as a youth, he still emerged victorious.
The spirit of change in Kenya is ripe. It is time for the young people to get their fair share of leadership positions. There is no going back. No wonder, he noted that if a calf is being born, even when you tie it with a rope, it will still come out.
“Our future is today. We must grab it,” he added.
However, he warns, that such change from old guard to the youth won’t come that easily. He feels ashamed with the current whims of ‘Vijana na Kibaki’ (the youth for Kibaki). When it is eating time, it is ‘Wazee na Kibaki’ (the elderly with Kibaki). The tune turns sour ‘Vijana na Kibaki’ when it is time to lobby for support to enable them to make it back to power.
Hon. Magara urged the Kenyan electorate to use their leaders’ performance CVs as a voting measure.
“They should vote for ODM team, and not for individuals.” He reiterated that ODM is a team with a captain. This team is committed to let go and leave when their time comes. It is a team that wants to set a positive historical precedent to be emulated by future leaders. Such a team can’t stand with a black history to taint and haunt them unlike the predecessors.
He added that ODM as a team is steadfast to devolve power from state house. There will be no more going to the house on the hill to “beg for a district.”
ODM is also determined to see to it that women get into positions of leadership and business. Women are responsible and hardworking and should not be sidelined from the leadership arena. The party will empower the youth by formulating practical policies that will positively impact on them.
On another note, he discarded the perception that ODM lacks backing from Central Kenya.
“ODM is going to get votes from Central Kenya , especially from the youth.”
On a lighter level, he commended Kenyans for their patience.
“Kenyans are very patient people. God has heard us.”
The meeting, which ended at 11: 40 pm, was organised by ODM Makerere University Chapter.

Joshua Masinde

The essence of inspiration

It is quite telling to notice the impact a preacher or priest exudes upon his congregation. The impact is always noticeable when the preacher brings himself into the position of calling upon the Holy Ghost to prevail upon the congregation. You might have the misconception the he and the Holy Spirit are long term comrades.

When his preaching is powered by spiritual enthusiasm, the impact it digs into the hearts of the congregation is always immense.

After the sermon, many hearts seem conspicuously transformed. Most of them are now ‘clean’ and the members of the congregation are ‘new creatures.’

More often, you hear talks of “I will never go over-boozing again” or “I will begin paying my tithe on a very strict notice.” One can even say, “I should aim at being a preacher like this pastor.” Many of these resolutions, however, usually go unfulfilled. They simply lose meaning after a few hours or after a day.

Come next Sunday, the preacher with his spiritual charisma instils spiritual inspiration into his congregation. As usual, they feel they are never the same again. They become the humblest of creatures, softest at hearts and most generous in offering.

To inspire somebody positively is a noble thing. The one who instils the inspiration becomes a potent figure. That is how leaders are made in many cases. They create their path towards the crown by exuding their charismatic impact through deed or speech.

If you are such a charismatic person, many people will look to you as a convenient propeller of their destiny. To lose such charisma does not call for any effort because it never lasts for long. If one loses it, it means someone more charismatic has risen in his or her place. His inspiration bears more impact to the people and is perceived as the right candidate to steer the people into the land of milk and honey.

How many times have you inspired somebody? You could inspire somebody who has an all-round negative attitude towards life to redefine such reflection and think positively. You could inspire a kid to work hard at school and achieve their childhood dream.

Lack of inspiration buries a dream that would otherwise come true! And, inspiration is just motivation or mental stimulation.

For a good reason, you could consider sitting back to reflect on how many people have felt your impact and stimulated a change in their life. How many of them have you inspired to undertake the noble task or innovation? How many of them have you inspired to come out of their idleness and realise that even 24 hours a day is insufficient for them? How many have you inspired to get the urge to take on writing, singing, dancing or even reading as their hobby?

Numerous talents only need the spark of an inspiration to activate them. With this, they’ll surely crawl out of the invisible to the tangible world. Such inspiration could otherwise create a fundamental landmark in someone’s life. The landmark could in turn propel the society into better heights than was hitherto. You could inspire someone and see what a noble thing you did!

Joshua Masinde

The little stumbling blocks for failing to commit: Who causes it all?

Have you ever fallen in love? For what reason did you decide to do so? What was your optimal point of excitement? What was your greatest fear? I’ve in the past heard it said that, “I’d rather fall from a tree and break my back than fall in love and break the heart.” This might be the motive why most of the young people fear to commit themselves in a lasting relationship.
Although, love is known or said to be the strongest element that can break any desire to smithereens, most young people are always reluctant to make a permanent love commitment for fear of making mistakes. Such mistakes more often evolve into heartbreaks they don’t wish to harbour frequently. And just to show you how disastrous heartbreaks can be, show me someone who is heart broken and I will show you someone who is emotionally dead.
Many young men complain of this new generation of over-nagging femme fatales. In the face of cut throat competition for beauty and bid to create an impression, our dear lovely sisters always seem to forget that some of us are their broke brothers and can’t afford to make up to their abysmal demands. To mention but a few: make-up, bling bling, latest phone, airtime, chips, chicken and more chicken etc. Since a brother can’t deliver all these, the sugar daddy bug bites the sister. No choice? No commitment.
Perhaps, to balance the eco-relationship, the brother also decides to advertise for a sugar mummy who’s ready to provide for his financial needs in return for passion. Some might opt for the twilight zones. The end justifies the means: attachment of value to short term relationships. The young people indulge in such relationships with the aim to quell their passions. Their intentions are geared towards a sudden flight to genital experience. That’s all that seem to matter to them.
I have some friends who value short term relationships. They call them ‘friendlies’. One such guy is ever requesting for ‘friendly’ matches, be it at home or away as long as the cockerel returns home to sleep. He has had so many ‘friendlies’ and has inspired a few others to follow suit. They can’t just commit to one and only relationship that might bear value to them.
The players’ syndrome seems to have taken a notch in the minds of many guys. Most of such guys are out to hit and delete. It’s no longer hit and run. It does not matter whom they hit. Be it a stranger or an acquaintance. Be it a slut or a virgin. Their prospect of a one night stand will not make them commit. They will hit and delete today. Tomorrow they meet as total strangers.
This never bothers them at all until they realise they’ll never make do with a single partner. Most of them will still be bachelors and spinsters in their late thirties or forties. Since they’ve bonded their souls with multiple sexual partners, they’ll never seem satisfied with one partner.
The prospect of education and more education will earn them a place in the ‘non-commitment club’. Many young people have opted to bury their heads in education. They seem to have lost sight of their social-cultural obligations, especially one that pertains to family life. This is personal choice. I have no objection to it after all, democracy is still a sweet sounding word.
Freelance commitments have not spared most others yet. But, is this especially common with our sisters? She will have a boyfriend(s) whom she keeps. On the other hand (in secrecy), she entertains a working class guy with whom she has a freelance indulgence. She can’t risk losing her boyfriend, for her future’s sake. She can’t risk losing her working guy for her financial demand’s sake. This double playing is as dangerous as a double edged sword. Breaking two hearts at the same time equals tantalising two sound minds. And a mind that thinks not right is dangerous to its owner.
Is it worth it? In the face of HIV/AIDS and still playing dangerous cards with our lives. Potential freelance partners are many, many say. But what is beneath many of them might scare your blood to freeze if you cared to know. If you care to live, don't fear to commit. The earlier generations have done so and have come a long way. Commitment, love, trust, faithfulness and knowledge are better remedies to the crises of our generations.

Joshua Masinde

Laziness, I Scorn Thee

Taking important things for granted is a sign of laziness. Assumption on serious issues is a show of laziness. Procrastination too, passes for laziness.

I have experience that many lecturers wish their students to pass. Some of them will try to make things easy to pave way for possible success of most of their students. They will come to the lecture room and bore you (sic) with their lectures. But, they know where the recipe of the tests and exams will originate from. Often times, they will give you an assignment. It is up to you to do it or leave it. They don't explicitly tell whether it is gradable or not. Some will but you will not care much.

"Do your part," they will tell you severally. "Do your research." And, for your information, some will allege that it is a crime for lecturers to give notes. Their work is to give you tips. Whether or not you like it, they will drag you into reading what they want you to read. If you don’t, that is part of the chronic laziness that yields half baked graduates. They will give you a test and tell you to watch out.

"I will recycle some of the questions in the end of semester exam," one will say on one or two occasions. It is up to you to take it or leave it. Leave it to the credit of your laziness. Take for granted the various research topics (s)he has asked you to undertake. This is just a honey pot of success. But, you will not put these bona fide tips in mind They will give you a coursework. If you fail en masse, one or two consider a make up for you.

"Fail it at your own risk... Blame yourself if you get a retake," one of them confided in us in one of his lectures.

"If you get a retake and it happens that you are in my class next academic year, you will have a hard time. I want all of you to pass."

You take his talk for granted. You procrastinate the research work and assignment (s)he gave you. You assume you will pass since (s)he has already tipped you on the possible areas of examination. This is a time to relax. You wait to concentrate and read during the last two weeks prior to the exam. Come that time, you have forgotten everything you thought was useful for your success story. Fellow course mates have come up with their version of possible questions and exam areas.

When the day of reckoning finally comes, you open the examination paper. The first question is an exact replica of the coursework he gave you. And, it is worth 40 marks. You try hard to remember his tips but? But, a frown takes charge of your forehead. Ripples of blood(sic) ensue on your brow. You set onto writing nothing vital on the blank page. Whom do you blame?

"Laziness, I condemn thee."

Joshua Masinde