Ugandan politician Nina Roz, a member of the National Unity Platform (NUP), has issued a stark warning to young Ugandans about entering politics, describing her recent electoral campaign as traumatic and disheartening.
Speaking at a Uganda Law Society press conference in Kampala on Thursday, Roz, who ran for the Ssembabule District Woman Member of Parliament seat, detailed the violence and intimidation that marred her campaign—leaving her shaken and questioning the very nature of democracy in Uganda.
“My Agents Were Brutally Attacked and Some Murdered”
Roz did not hold back in sharing the harrowing experiences she and her team endured during the elections.
“My agents were brutally attacked and some murdered. And this was not the first time. Because of this, I would not advise any young person to engage in politics in Uganda. It is a dirty and dangerous game,” Roz said.
Her comments underscore the dangers young people face when attempting to participate in Uganda’s political system. She lamented that despite the eagerness of youth to bring change, the political landscape is often designed to intimidate, silence, and destroy them.
“Many young people want to participate, to serve, to bring change, but Ugandan politics is designed to scare, silence, and destroy them. This government has never given us a fair chance,” she added.
Questioning Democracy in Uganda
Roz went further to challenge the legitimacy of elections in Uganda, emphasizing the human cost of political participation.
“What is the purpose of voting if elections are not free and fair? What is democracy worth if it costs people their lives? If participating in elections means bloodshed, fear, and death, then let us be honest, there is no democracy here,” she said.
Roz even suggested that elections should be reconsidered if they continue to put lives at risk.
“And if elections cannot be free and fair, then maybe they should not happen at all. No country should demand lives as the price of participation,” she emphasized.
The Election Outcome
Running on the NUP ticket, Roz finished third in a fiercely contested race. The seat was ultimately won by ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidate Florence Nambazira.
Despite the loss, Roz’s remarks are resonating nationwide, sparking debate about election safety, youth involvement, and political reform in Uganda.
The Youth and Political Participation
Roz’s cautionary words highlight the broader challenges faced by young Ugandans in politics. Many aspire to bring change, yet the threat of violence, intimidation, and political sabotage often discourages participation.
Experts note that such statements from prominent politicians could serve as a wake-up call for election reforms and stronger protections for candidates and campaign teams.
Social Media Reacts
Online, reactions to Roz’s statements have been intense:
- Supporters say: Roz is a voice of truth, shedding light on the perils young politicians face.
- Critics argue: While elections are risky, disengagement could weaken democratic processes further.
Roz’s message continues to spark conversations on safety, fairness, and the cost of democracy in Uganda.
Stay Tuned
As the debate around Uganda’s elections and youth participation grows, Roz’s testimony adds a powerful perspective on the real-life consequences of politics in the country.
What do you think about Roz’s warning? Should young Ugandans risk entering politics, or is her caution justified? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.
