UDC’s first year in office underwhelming - BCP YL

Botswana Congress Party Youth League (BCPYL) has criticised the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) government’s performance in its first year in office, describing it as underwhelming and characterised by missed opportunities.According to the League, the ruling party has failed to live up to the expectations it created before assuming power in 2024, showing little urgency in addressing the pressing issues that affect young people and the nation at large.BCPYL President June June said that while Batswana expected transformative leadership, the UDC administration has instead displayed poor coordination, administrative inertia, and a lack of urgency.“As the BCP Youth League, we view the UDC’s first year in office as underwhelming and characterised by missed opportunities.What we have seen instead is administrative inertia, poor coordination, and a lack of urgency in addressing critical national issues, particularly those affecting the youth,” he said.Before coming into office, the UDC campaigned under the theme, 'Inclusive Growth and Quality Lives,' pledging a new era of prosperity and good governance.The party promised to create between 450,000 and 500,000 jobs within five years through strategic investments in infrastructure, manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, and renewable energy.It also committed to improving salaries, pledging a minimum wage of P4000.The UDC also vowed to build 100,000 affordable houses across the country, reduce water and electricity tariffs by 30 percent, and expand social protection programmes.Its social agenda included reducing the pension eligibility age from 65 to 60, increasing the old-age pension from P830 to P1,800, providing free sanitary pads for all schoolgirls, reviewing studentallowances, and ensuring access to comprehensive health insurance for all citizens.The Manifesto further promised to invest in smart cities, transport networks, and digital infrastructure as part of Botswana’s transition into a modern economy.However, the BCP Youth League says little of that vision has materialised. June noted that the government has failed to deliver on its promises of job creation, youth empowerment, and improved public services.“The UDC campaigned on bold promises such as job creation, youth inclusion in governance, improved healthcare, and economic revitalisation.Sadly, youth unemployment remains dangerously high, student allowances have not been reviewed, and access to basic health services, including medication and reproductive health, continues to deteriorate.No meaningful reforms have been implemented to show commitment to their pledges. There are more false promises than kept ones in the new government, which is another cause for concern,” he said.He added that the situation on the ground has not improved for the ordinary Motswana, especially young people. Many remain unemployed and disillusioned, while access to opportunities is limited.“The everyday Motswana, especially young people, continue to suffer. Entrepreneurial funding is scarce, mental health services are neglected, and inequality in education persists. There is no clearyouth development agenda only speeches, with little impact. Citizens remain left out,” June said.The Youth League also expressed concerns about transparency and accountability within the UDC administration. June said decision-making has become overly centralised, and public consultation minimal.He added that cases of mismanagement of public funds have emerged without meaningful action being taken against those responsible.“Transparency has been severely lacking. Decision-making is centralised, and public consultation is minimal. Instances of public funds mismanagement have emerged, but no serious action has been taken.This undermines public trust and democratic accountability. The UDC government has deviated totally from their promises prior to the 2024 elections; rather, they are now doing the opposite barely one year in office,” he said.June further explained that the BCP Youth League is not only criticising but also taking proactive steps to hold the government accountable. He said the League continues to engage communities, raise awareness, and provide alternative policy ideas that prioritise youth development.“The BCP Youth League is actively engaging communities, exposing poor governance, and providing alternative policy ideas. We are running civic education campaigns, advocating for youth-focused policies, and mobilising young people to demand results, not rhetoric,” he said.He added that the League will continue to use parliamentary channels through its shadow Youth Minister to ask questions and lobby for youth centred motions as part of its advocacy for young people.“We are the voice of a generation tired of empty promises and ready for real change. We are also asking questions through our shadow Youth Minister in Parliament, and we will be lobbying for youth centred motions to show our commitment to advocacy for young people,” he said.

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UDC’s first year in office underwhelming - BCP YL