By KT Reporter
Youth leaders from the Rwenzori region have signed a commitment to peaceful participation in Uganda’s forthcoming general elections. The signatories include members of political parties, the National Youth Council, Uganda National Students Association (UNSA), and the Parliamentary Forum on Youth Affairs.
The commitment was made during a youth dialogue on peaceful elections held in Kasese. The youth pledged to promote messages of peace, dialogue, and tolerance across their organisations and platforms. The dialogue was organised by the Multi-Party Youth Forum (MYF) with support from the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (NIMD).
The youth further pledged to act as proactive agents of peace in their communities, regardless of political affiliation, ethnicity, or religion. MYF reaffirmed its commitment to continuing peace campaigns countrywide to support a calm and credible electoral process.
Lynnet Nanyonjo, president of MYF, described the peace pledge as a positive step toward ensuring a non-violent electoral season. She said it should serve as a guide for behaviour before, during, and after the 2026 general elections.
Nanyonjo acknowledged Kasese’s history of political tension and urged young people in the district to lead by example in averting violence during the next polls. She called on youth to join the campaign for peaceful elections and coexistence, highlighting them as pillars for meaningful social transformation.
Jacob Ayeru, chairperson of the National Youth Council, said elections should not be treated as a “do or die” affair but rather as a democratic process where the best candidate emerges with the support of all.
Ayeru also advocated for a policy shift to provide financial support to youth wings across political parties. He said the lack of such support has weakened youth structures and limited their ability to mobilise young voters.
Daglous Bwambale, a member of the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), emphasized the need for civil society organisations and other institutions to acknowledge the power of young people in shaping a peaceful and cohesive society. He added that inadequate civic education and lack of institutional support have made youth vulnerable to manipulation by politicians, especially in the Rwenzori region-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
