Uganda’s Young Politicians Unite for Peaceful Elections

As youth make up a large portion of Ugandan society, it’s important that they can participate in politics. NIMD Uganda’s Multiparty Youth Forum (MYF) gives them this opportunity. The MYF is a cross-party collaboration platform for young politicians across ideological divides to engage in dialogue.

In April 2025, with the support of NIMD Uganda, MYF organized the Regional Youth Dialogue event on peaceful electoral participation.

Breaking the cycle of electoral violence

Uganda’s electoral seasons are often marred by violence and political manipulation, and young people frequently find themselves as both victims and unwitting participants in these turbulent situations.

Recognizing this challenge, the MYF, local government leaders, the National Youth Council, the Uganda National Students Association, and Members of Parliament under the Parliamentary Forum on Youth Affairs discussed how to break the cycle of electoral violence and build a culture of peaceful elections.

Key Challenges

Throughout the event, discussions focused on addressing the significant challenges young people face in the electoral process. Key challenges highlighted included the severe lack of civic education, the high costs associated with political participation, the widespread spread of misinformation, and limited access to credible and timely information. These barriers not only hinder youth engagement but also fuel tension and mistrust in the electoral system, ultimately threatening peaceful participation in electoral processes.

Signed Peace Pledge

During the event, youth leaders also signed a commitment to peaceful participation in the general elections. Signatories included members from six political parties, the National Youth Council, Uganda National Students Association and the Uganda Parliamentary Forum on Youth Affairs.

In their signed peace pledge, youth leaders committed to promoting messages of peace, tolerance, and dialogue throughout their organizations and platforms. They aim to be proactive agents of peace in their communities, regardless of differences in political party, ethnicity, religion, or ideology.

The MYF also resolved to lead peace campaigns across Uganda’s 18 subregions, facilitate peaceful dialogues with government agencies during times of tension, and collaborate with civil society and government institutions to make this youth peace commitment a nationwide success.

A Peaceful Transition Inspires Hope

The young members of the Multiparty Youth Forum demonstrated democratic maturity as the outgoing Democratic Party (DP) leadership smoothly handed over responsibilities to the People’s Progressive Party (PPP). This peaceful transfer reflects a commitment to fostering a culture of accountability and succession among Uganda’s young leaders. This moment inspires hope for peaceful general elections in January 2026.

Competitive yet Peaceful

After the Football for Peace tournament on the second day of the session, one young leader reflects, “This is the Uganda we want, where we can compete without hate and work together for a better future.” The match served as a powerful metaphor for politics, illustrating that, like football, it can be competitive yet peaceful, if the rules are respected, and everyone is afforded a chance.