By Gilbert Akampa Kakurugu,
MBARARA
As the country gears up for 2026 general elections, stakeholders have emphasized the importance of civic education in ensuring peaceful polls. Grassroots Defenders Network (GRADNET), a regional network based in Mbarara district has launched an initiative to promote civic education, particularly among youths, to reduce election violence.
Barnabas Tugumisirize GRADNET coordinator, highlighted the organization’s focus on the police force, citing their crucial role in electoral processes. He emphasized the need for collaboration with security agencies to ensure peace.Tugumisirize who is also a human rights defender, called for collective action to address election violence. He urged security agencies to remain neutral and impartial and the Electoral Commission to conduct mass voter education.
Bonny Bainomugisha, an advocate from Legal Room, stressed the importance of empowering citizens to exercise their rights and obligations. She referenced Article 38 of the Ugandan Constitution, which guarantees citizens’ right to participate in peaceful activities.
Mathias Tumusiime, Mbarara District Community Development Officer, encouraged GRADNET to register with the district and set clear targets for their initiatives.
He said they welcome the move by GRADNET and will be allowed to work once they finalize the registration process.
Namara Grace, Assistant RDC for Mbarara emphasized the importance of balancing human rights with responsibilities. She warned that as security they will arrest whoever is found breaking the law whether by security personnel or a member of the publicpublic as long as it is provided for by the law. She noted that as Government they will not violet the law and also urged all citizens not to abuse the law under the disguise of Human rights.
SP Brian Kinyana, CIO Rwizi Region, noted that neocolonial influence contributes to election violence and urged GRADNET to emphasize citizen involvement than thinking everything will be solved by neocolonialists. He noted that most Human Rights violators are funded by such people with bad intentions to destroy the country like it was in Kenya.
