UGANDA: Youths in Uganda Urged to Share Messages of Hope through Digital Platforms
Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA
As Uganda continues to grapple with the virulent second wave of Covid-19 pandemic, the National Youth Coordinator of Uganda Episcopal Conference (UEC) has urged young people to use digital media as channels to share messages of hope and encouragement.
“Young people are now champions in the digital world. Use the digital tools and platforms to share messages of hope and encouragement; to carryout virtual meetings and conferences,” the Youths National Coordinator Ms. Joyce Zako highlighted in a message published Monday, July 12, adding that, “The digital tools can also be used to build resilience in the society and to avert future disasters.”
Zako reminds the young people to play their role in containing the spread of the “highly contagious virus” knowing that the “future economic and social consequences of the pandemic will heavily rely on them although different age cohorts have disproportionately been affected due to the existing inequalities within our communities.”
“Take personal commitment, approach and discipline in dealing with this virus in order to protect and safe guard yourselves and others from being infected,” she said in her message and continued, “Never get tired of following the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) of wearing face mask correctly, handwashing, keeping distance, no shaking of hands, avoiding public gatherings, avoid touching of your face (eyes, nose and mouth) because your contaminated hands may transfer the virus to your body through these openings, and in addition, avoid visiting friends.”
Addressing the young people at a time when Uganda had re-imposed a 42-day lockdown which commenced on June 8 with restrictions including restrictions of “communal prayers in mosques, churches, stadia and other open-air places, the national coordinator urged the youth to “Support each other through prayer and assist where necessary.”
Referencing Pope Francis’ Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Christus Vivit (Christ is alive) on young people, faith and vocational discernment, to encourage the youths on their responsibility Ms. Zako urged the young people to “embrace their roles as the “present and the future” of the Catholic Church – the “now of God” by building relationships with your community and with God.”
“Be the “salt and light” to others and develop meaningful relationships among your peers and the communities by showing them the unconditional love of Christ through good deeds in this difficult time,” Ms. Zako concludes.
