Deputy Speaker Oulanyah urges youth to get national IDs

The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Jacob Oulanyah, has asked youth to register as voters in order to take part in the 2021 general elections.

In Uganda, for anyone to become a voter, he/she must be above 18 years old and possesses a valid national Identity card.

Oulanyah made the plea on Thursday during a public lecture at Gulu School of Nursing and Midwifery. The presentation was organised by the Africa Leadership Institute (ALA).

He said by registering as voters, youth will become relevant to the country’s governance.

“Failure to register as voters deprives you of the moral authority to criticise bad policies,” he said.

“It is our country and we must take responsibility to shape it the way we want it to be.”

Commenting about bribery issue eating the East Africa nation, Oulanyah said it takes two people to effect the vice, thus rolling back the responsibility to voters who base their decisions on inducements.

“We should not sell out rights for small monies,” said the legislator.

Oulanyah also cautioned the youth against violence, saying it is not profitable to be destructive.

“Whatever participation you choose to engage in, let it build rather than destroy; let your participation be positive.”

Kyadondo East Member of Parliament Robert Kyagulanyi alias Bobi Wine has on several occasions rallied the youth, especially those who believe in his People Power Movement to register for national IDs. He says since the young generation contributes the largest percentage of the country’s population, it will become easy to oust President Yoweri Museveni in the next elections as long as they have national IDs that permit them to vote.

Recently, the National Identification Registration Authority (Nira) rolled out a registration exercise for people who did not get national IDs during the first phase.

According to Nira, the process will run for three months at sub-county headquarters in all districts across the country.