Youth campaigning against gang violence
What exactly does Uganda Muslim Youth Development Forum do?
We sensitise the public, especially the youth, to avoid using violence to solve problems. We know some people see violence as the easy way out but they forget the costs that come with violence are unimaginable. Violence leads to loss of life and property.
Why are you targeting the youth in particular?
They make up 80 per cent of the population. All malicious and inhumane activities are usually coordinated and delivered by the youth. There are few incidents where you will find older people being sponsored to commit a crime. The recent machete attacks in the central region are a reflection of how desperate the youth have become. For as little as Shs25,000, they are hired to cut up people.
Isn’t this a direct result of the high unemployment rate?
It is. A youth who is convinced to use machetes, axes, iron bars, and hammers to terrorise citizens, could be deadly when he gets access to a gun. These killings are indicators that the country is headed for trouble.
How are you packaging your message?
Our peace campaign is called Amani Leo, which means, peace today. It intends to promote social cohesion, peace and tolerance. Youth should distance themselves from violence and understand that they need to protect their homeland jealously.
How are you putting the message across?
We dialogue with policy makers, community members, and also have school engagements. We have started with communities in Kampala that are more susceptible to recruitment into famous gangs such as, Kifeesi in Katwe Kinyoro, B-13 in Mengo, and Axe gang in Kawempe. If a teenager can hit a person with a club or stab him to snatch a phone or wallet, he is a potential terrorist.
Have you talked to youth outside Kampala?
Yes. We have been to districts in eastern and northern Uganda.
How many members do you have to sensitise the youth?
There are 20 of us in the organisation. We also use victims of violence to share their experiences in the communities we visit so that the people can understand the magnitude, dangers, and consequences of extremism.
