On Monday June 16, we (Uganda) joined the African continent in its observance of the Day of the African Child. However, as we commemorate this day, it is worth noting that we stand at a crucial crossroads that demands rigorous introspection and decisive action. This day transcends a mere celebration of the remarkable resilience and potential of African children; it is, fundamentally, a call to challenge ingrained narratives and critically question the status quo that has perpetually fostered a cycle of governance failures.

The origins of this international day, rooted in the 1976 brutal assassination of Soweto students protesting educational injustice and inequality, serve as a stark reminder of the bravery of African children who, despite their potential, were failed by egregious governance.

Many of us were raised to obey authority without question. Our parents, often driven by commendable intentions, resorted to coercive methods—such as “kiboko,” and other forms of punishment, —to instill discipline and obedience. This stifled any inclination to reason beyond the parameters set by educators and authorities.

The experiences of previous generations, shaped by profound struggles, instilled a belief that compliance was the safest path to survival in an unstable world. However, this ingrained approach has cultivated a landscape where questioning authority is often perceived as dangerous, leading to a pervasive reluctance to challenge the very systems that govern our lives.

Across Uganda, East Africa, and the entire African continent, concepts like “Jumuiya ya Africa” and “ubuntuism” have been disturbingly redefined by collective powers that paradoxically embrace the very oppressive colonial structures our African values ostensibly denounce. Our ongoing struggle to alter the status quo is exacerbated by our collective failure to critically examine the half-truths and inhumane practices unleashed upon us by our leaders, and, more importantly, the pervasive Pan-African narrative we have uncritically accepted.

The global perception of African children remains unfortunately tethered to stereotypes of poverty, disunity, cultural erosion, and backwardness. Within Africa today, we observe a generation of youth who have benefited from formal education yet exhibit a concerning lack of the introspection typically associated with being learned. In Uganda, specifically, we are confronted with a distressing inability to demand accountability or access fundamental services, including quality education.

The current landscape starkly demonstrates that young people are the most excluded, with young women—the Ugandan girl child—facing particularly acute neglect from an intersectional perspective. This alarming trend is further exacerbated by the global surge in extremism, fascism, and other ideologies that historically foreshadowed periods of global barbarity and conflict.

As we reflect on the legacy of the African Child Day, it is imperative to comprehend the profound implications of uncritically accepting prevailing norms. A generation indoctrinated into unwavering obedience often finds itself constrained by the invisible chains of complacency. This is conspicuously evident in our political landscape, where numerous citizens are actively obstructed from voicing dissent (due to censorship be it self-censorship or otherwise) or critically examining the narratives propagated by those in power.

Despite widespread challenges, young people are routinely coerced into compliance, cooperation, and co-optation by the very powers that perpetuate inequality. This political year has witnessed a lamentable number of injustices against the African child, including pervasive lack of access to quality education, rampant food insecurity, escalating poverty, and woefully inadequate access to basic healthcare. Despite these profound failings, the political establishment continues to thrive, while young people inexplicably continue to endorse leaders who are known to perpetuate this status quo, without demanding any accountability.

Consequently, we remain entrapped within a governance system that consistently prioritizes the narrow interests of a select few over the collective well-being of the majority. This distressing trajectory compels those genuinely concerned about the future of this nation and the African continent as a whole to question whether we can ever truly embark on the path of authentic “ubuntuism” for a genuine “Jumuiya Ya Afrika” for all.

Yet, change is undeniably possible, and it starts with a resolute commitment to questioning the status quo. The imperative for activism has never been more critical. We find ourselves at a pivotal juncture where a new generation, fortified with education, heightened awareness, and technological tools, possesses the capacity to ignite transformative change. To foster this essential shift, we must cultivate a culture of rigorous inquiry among ourselves and the younger generation.

Firstly, we must instill in our children and siblings the profound importance of asking questions. This transcends mere information reception; it necessitates a critical understanding of that information. We must teach them to delve deeper into the issues that directly impact their lives and their communities.

Secondly, the dominant narratives that dictate our reality frequently obscure inconvenient truths. It is our responsibility to teach children to discern information meticulously, to actively seek multiple perspectives, and to rigorously challenge the narratives presented to them.

Finally, we, as adults and leaders, must embody accountability and refrain from defensive tactics when questioned. As has been often stated, our societal existence should be governed by a social code where we strive to inflict as little harm as possible upon one another.

HAPPY INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE AFRICAN CHILD!!

Nancy Caroline Ayot

Feminist Lawyer and Writer.

Editor: Judith Atim.