There is a lack in the world today of men and women who have a high imagination, intelligence and genuine knowledge and skills, men and women who can instruct communities and societies and effect change.

The national election season is in full swing, and we find ourselves repeating the same vicious cycle where political leaders are running to churches, hobnobbing with ordinary citizens, and presenting themselves as modest servants of the people. From north to south, and west to east, it is a common sight to have political figures walk down dusty streets, take fluids from the same cups as villagers, and promise great change.

It’s ironic how some alumni from different educational institutions choose to jump on the bandwagon of the public to criticize their alma maters, lamenting how standards have declined since their time as students. While it may be true that things aren’t going well, you are expected to do more as an alumnus than just airing grievances. Rather than putting your energy on criticism, consider directing it toward engaging in alumni activities that directly support your former school. You can effect positive change in this way.

I refuse to vote, not in these elections and not for these candidates. I feel like it comes down to slogans every year. Someone comes up and says they espouse Christianity above all else. Another rises against them, talks of a radical change. Then we march to November inundated with canvassers and posters and hit-pieces and puff pieces, all for candidates who honestly do not know much about anything.

With humble beginnings of news being disseminated in Rome in 59 B.C., in a circular the Acta Diurna – the first newspaper, journalism has experienced tremendous evolution. At the time, the circulars were pasted on trees and walls on streets. But now, one can get information just by a swipe of their phone. 

Uganda’s flagship programme, Presidential Initiative on AIDS Strategy for Communication to Youth (PIASCY) was born at the beginning of the century. Despite Uganda’s impressive progress in tackling the disease, AIDS was still spoken of in hushed tones, a “killer disease” that few dared to discuss openly. PIASCY broke this silence, shedding light on the grim reality of AIDS and providing crucial knowledge and practical strategies to young people to protect themselves.