Independence Park, located in the heart of Mbarara City, is a green space for relaxation and leisure. It also hosts some community events.
Lately, the park, opened in 1962, has been turned into a meeting point for unemployed youth. When this reporter visited the park recently, some of the youth were found in groups sharing ideas while others slept on the grass.
Mr Ambrose Ajuna, who graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Development Studies and has spent two years without a job, said he often meets colleagues at the park to share experiences and enterprising ideas, some of which have been beneficial to them.
‘I stay in Katete, Mbarara City South Division, around three kilometres from here. Once in a while, I check on colleagues here because we cannot afford expensive places,’ he explained.
Mr Ajuna said in their different meetings, most youth have learnt of opportunities or discussed ideas to help them survive and earn an income.
‘Three of my colleagues during one of the meetings here last year ended up with ideas to employ themselves, they were tired of hunting for jobs. They pooled resources and rented land in Nyeihanga in Rwampara District, started a bricklaying business which is thriving,’ he said.
Mr Emmanuel Mujuni, a graduate from Bishop Stuart University, said he goes to the park after visiting offices and business centres in the search for jobs.
‘I rent with two other colleagues in Mbarara City North Division and we take different paths as we wander looking for jobs. Later in the day, we converge here to chart a way forward before we return home,’ he said.
Mbarara City Mayor Robert Mugabe said:’Independence Park is a public place, and …if the youth are using it as a place where they meet to moot ideas to improve their livelihoods, then there is no problem.”
However, Mr George Twesigye who lives in the neighbourhood, said some of the youth who meet in the park could be criminals or potential criminals .
‘There are some good people who come to relax and strike business deals here, but it is also a hideout for criminals who come to relax after spending nights tormenting their victims. I think it is even here where they plan how to execute their missions,’ he said.
Rwizi Region Police Spokesperson Samson Kasasira, however, said security personnel are on ground to ensure the park is safe.
‘Through our intelligence led surveillance we normally carry out operations and arrest the wrong elements that want to use the place as a centre for planning and executing crimes,’ he said.