President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, in a statement, recently addressed the Ugandan youth as “bazzukulu,” a term meaning grandchildren in Luganda. This label, however, has sparked a wave of backlash from the Gen Z demographic, who feel the term is dismissive and patronizing. The President’s remarks followed a foiled peaceful protest, dubbed the “March to Parliament,” which led to the arrest of over 90 young Ugandans.
Your grand daughter graduated a few days ago. From an abroad university.
I am not your grand daughter. Stop calling us your Bazzukulu.
Because if we task you to act like a Grand father, you will tell us to rather give you a rock to chew on. https://t.co/mSbQuJcCo5— Nsenene Goddess 😊 (@Omu_Bwati) July 25, 2024
President Museveni congratulated the security forces and citizens for preventing the demonstration, citing foreign funding and malicious intent as reasons for the crackdown. “Fellow Ugandans, especially the Bazzukulu,” Museveni began, “I want to congratulate the Armed Forces and the Security Forces and the Wanainchi, for foiling or not participating in the bad demonstration that was planned for Tuesday.” He further claimed that some demonstrators were unaware of these alleged plots, implying that genuine concerns could have been addressed through more “patriotic, anti-corruption, peaceful” means, coordinated with law enforcement.
The term “bazzukulu” has been a recurring reference in Museveni’s speeches, suggesting a paternalistic view of the younger generation. However, many young Ugandans have taken to social media to reject this characterization, arguing that it undermines their agency and reduces serious political grievances to familial disputes.
Voices of the Youth
The reaction on social media was swift and sharp. Influential figures and ordinary citizens alike expressed their discontent with being addressed as “bazzukulu.”
Nsenene Goddess, a popular social media personality, tweeted, “I am not your granddaughter. Stop calling us your Bazzukulu. Because if we task you to act like a Grandfather, you will tell us to rather give you a rock to chew on.”
Gava Charles criticized the government for using the term to evade accountability. “Y’all want to stick to the ‘grandchildren’ moniker because you’re running away from accountability. Unfortunately, each of us knows our own grandparents. Additionally, the grandparents don’t tear gas, maim or imprison their bazzukulu.”
Others pointed out the disparity between the lives of Museveni’s actual grandchildren and the average Ugandan youth. Rosebell Kagumire tweeted, “We know you have enough Bazzukulu of your own! End this decades-long kamanyiro! Ugandan citizens are protesting—not your relatives! Your well-fed grandchildren aren’t in dire need of a functional country because you and your family have stolen enough for them!”
The anger and frustration were palpable in many responses, highlighting a generational divide and a growing discontent with the current administration. The hashtag #March2Parliament trended as young Ugandans expressed their desire for change and a functional government that addresses their needs.
A Call for Change
The protest that led to this controversy was organized in response to various issues, including unemployment, corruption, and inadequate public services. The government’s response, characterized by arrests and a dismissive tone from the President, has only fueled the fire of discontent among Uganda’s youth.
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