The age limit that ugly monster

An age limit is the oldest or youngest age at which you are allowed under particular regulations to do something. And what does it mean to be limited because of your age. This is a subject that has occupied Ugandans since age limit was lifted from Uganda’s constitution some years ago to allow the president to stand past the constitutional prescribed age of 75 years.

Recently army, police and prisons departments were recruiting prospective officers into their forces.  For the police and prisons age limit seems to have been set at a cut off of 22years. Beyond that age you failed the test your physical, mental and academic prowess notwithstanding. 

Because of high levels of unemployment and limited opportunities, young people saw this as an opportunity to get into formal employment and escape poverty. But the requirements were clearly posted. Education, health, age among others. Well, Ugandans being who they are, these youths thought they would by-pass some of the requirements. So those who should have merely stayed at home and “reared their ducks” headed for the recruitment points in their districts in the hope that the recruiters would look the other way from some of the requirements they had posted on board bulletins. Indeed, some of them thought, uuuhh since I am a movement diehard and have been recommended by all echelons of movement cadres, why not. So, as I have already stated they left their ducks starving and thirsty and dived into the pond. By 7oclock they were already lining waiting patiently for the big men and women from Kampala.

One by one they waited to be called to go and present their testimonials and one by one many of them were eliminated. No credit in English; try your chances elsewhere; no national identity card; try your chances elsewhere, physically unfit; try your chances elsewhere, 23years of age; try your chances elsewhere and so on so forth. So, at the end of the day out of thousands lining up only tens passed the test. The rest went home “shading tears”. The only chance they hoped for had just fallen through the net.

Interviewed by local journalists, those who had failed the academic requirements, national identity card, or physical test though dejected felt they had themselves to blame. Those, however, who failed because of failing the age test had no kind words. And they did not shy away from expressing their disgust at the system which they thought was biased against youths. Why should there be no age limit for the presidency and when it comes to youths they say after 23 years we are as good as useless? Why? “For me I am just 23 years and I passed all the other requirements. Why should I be left out?” Some people are going to die in their offices with their bold heads while we grapple with lack of opportunities. Age limit should apply to everybody and not only to the youths. If after 22 years one is useless and yet someone finished education at 19 and has been looking for employment for the last 3-4years how can one understand what is going on. What do those aging old men and women think they are to hold us at ransom while our years are flying past. They have deceived us enough and we are completely fed up of their lies. And so on and so forth.

I am sure some of them might continue lamenting for the rest of their lives.

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