End Electoral Violence Ahead of 2026 Elections
On March 27, 2025, a Youth Symposium titled “Amplifying Youth Voices for Inclusive and Peaceful Elections” took place at Jevine Hotel Rubaga, organized by Prospect Initiative in
partnership with Finn Church Aid and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland. This gathering united a broad spectrum of voices including youth leaders, Uganda Police Force officials, Electoral Commission representatives, political party members, journalists, and civil society advocates to tackle the urgent challenge of electoral violence and pave the way for inclusive and peaceful elections in Uganda.
Addressing the Roots of Electoral Violence
The symposium spotlighted the pervasive threat electoral violence poses to Uganda’s democratic fabric. Participants warned that without urgent action, the 2026 polls risk repeating the violent patterns of past elections, further eroding public trust in democratic institutions and discouraging youth engagement. Discussions pinpointed key challenges: police brutality, political manipulation of unemployed youth, and inadequate representation of young people in governance. Personal testimonies from journalists and youth activists underscored the need for accountability and improved relations between security forces and civilians.
The event also highlighted systemic issues fueling youth disengagement, such as unemployment and exclusion from decision-making spaces like Parliament. Participants called for a shift toward peaceful, ideological engagement, urging young Ugandans to assert their rights through lawful means and resist being exploited as tools of violence by political actors.
A Call for Inclusive and Educated Participation
A recurring theme was the need for inclusive electoral processes. Stakeholders emphasized the Electoral Commission’s role in ensuring fair participation for youth and people with disabilities, coupled with robust voter education to empower informed choices. Political parties were urged to address youth unemployment and foster constructive involvement, recognizing their dual potential to either incite or prevent violence.
Collaboration emerged as a cornerstone for progress. The symposium stressed the importance of dialogue among youth, government bodies, political parties, media, and civil society to build trust and align efforts toward peaceful elections.
Commitments to Change
The event concluded with actionable pledges from key stakeholders:
- Hon. Kabuye Frank, MP for Kassanda North and Shadow Minister for Youth and Children Affairs, vowed to champion peaceful participation by encouraging voter
registration, sharing accurate information, and advocating against violence and intimidation within communities. - Twinomujuni Evarist, representing the Electoral Commission, reaffirmed their commitment to conducting fair, inclusive elections, ensuring accessibility for youth and people with disabilities, and prioritizing voter education with an open-door policy for collaboration.
- Muleterwa Anatoli, Head of the Community Policing Department, Uganda Police Force, pledged to enhance communication with the media and public, adopting a transparent and respectful approach to election security while partnering with youth to prevent violence.
- Raymond Tamale, Broadcast Journalist with NTV Uganda, committed the media to accurate, responsible election coverage and open dialogue with stakeholders to foster informed public discourse.
- Teopista Kizza, Programs Manager at Africa Youth Development Link, representing civil society, promised to continue providing voter education and empowering youth for active, peaceful participation in credible elections.
In a powerful keynote address delivered in absentia, historian Godwin Toko reflected on Uganda’s electoral history: “Since 1894, the ruling elite have exploited the people’s slumber to exclude them from state affairs, using violence to alienate citizens and entrench power. The youth must awaken and actively resist these injustices.”
A Unified Vision for a Peaceful Future
The symposium closed with a wave of optimism and a resounding call to action. Stakeholders urged sustained collaboration to honor these commitments and secure a democratic future where youth voices are not only heard but instrumental in shaping Uganda’s destiny. Prospect Initiative pledged to monitor progress and continue empowering young people as agents of change under its three-year program, “Strengthening Youth Voices and Civic Action for Peacebuilding in Uganda,” supported by Finn Church Aid.
Prospect Initiative extends heartfelt thanks to Finn Church Aid for their unwavering partnership, which made this symposium possible. Together, we remain dedicated to dismantling the cycle of electoral violence and building a more inclusive, peaceful Uganda.