CHOSEN GENERATION

“We are the chosen generation, we’ve been called forth to show His excellence. All I require for life, God has given me, and I know who I am.” This has got to be the most played song in Kenya and East Africa at large – at the club, church, family gatherings, corporate events… you name it. And we have to give credit where it’s due – Sinach gave us a timeless classic; a relatable feel-good banger that cuts across all demographics. I draw strongly from this song for this blog post in particular, to highlight the recent events within the region, and how exactly we, as the chosen generation, have come forth to show God’s excellence.

Uganda, since August 13th of this year, has been a daily story of state sponsored violence, torture, brutality and blatant abuse of human rights, especially after the arrest of popular musician turned politician, Robert Kyagulanyi alias Bobi Wine. The hash tags #FreeBobiWine , #FreeArua33 and #PeoplePower did not only trend within the region but globally. The spotlight was on Uganda, and the world press was watching the abuse of human rights on a day to day basis. Had it not been for social media activism, only God knows what might have happened to Bobi Wine and the 32 others arrested and tortured with him. Even when you bring online activism back home, #KOT are notorious for bringing the mighty to their knees. Remember #SomeoneTellCNN?

As a generation of information and connectivity, we indeed are the chosen ones. What we share on our online platforms has the power to change a lot of things, and the power to shape conversations. It also has the power to build as well as the power to break. Individuals and mammoth bodies alike; the internet does not discriminate. We learn, we teach, we strengthen, we encourage, we unite and do so much more on the Internet. On the flip side, this behemoth also has the power to completely tear down and destroy. So the million dollar question here is, what role are you playing in this chosen generation of ours? Are you building or tearing down? Enlightening or mocking? Learning or not learning? Do you know who you are?