By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
LUWEERO
A former Youth Member of Parliament has opposed nighttime voting in youth elections, arguing that it compromises transparency and may discourage participation.
“Youth elections are largely carried out at night. And I’ve always wondered why. In any case, if one was to checked in a row, that is against the law,” Karuhanga said.
According to Karuhanga, conducting elections during late-night hours, abettes manipulation and vote rigging. He called for collective approach by all youth to oppose this practice, regardless of their political affiliations.
“So we must discourage and ensure that the electoral commission stops carrying out any election at night,” he added.
Karuhanga called for reforms to ensure that voting takes place during the day to uphold fairness and credibility.
Karuhanga made these remarks as the keynote speaker during the Multiparty Youth Forum meeting at Luweero Hotel Apartments on Thursday. He addressed the role of young people in ensuring peaceful elections.
The former MP, who also serves as the spokesperson for the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) party, criticized the commercialization of politics, which he argued impedes youth participation in elections. He suggested abolishing the UGX 3 million nomination fee to encourage more young people to engage in politics.
“These political impediments are unconstitutional and should be challenged to ensure young people participate in politics,” he stated.
“We also have very brilliant young women and men who can transform this country. We must create opportunities and remove obstacles to leadership positions for them. These individuals will drive transformation in various sectors,” Karuhanga added.
Ochan Zechariah, a youthful aspirant for the Kiganda North parliamentary seat in Kiryandongo District, highlighted financial constraints as a major barrier preventing young people from participating in electoral processes. He also pointed out bribery as a challenge in youth politics.
“Many youth are influenced by short-term financial incentives rather than long-term policies. Financial handouts often determine youth participation in rallies and demonstrations,” Ochan noted.
However, he observed that many young people view politics more as a source of employment rather than a platform for public service.
Cadre Gaddafi Nasur, the NRM National Youth Leader and a member of the NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC), urged young people to shun sectarian politics and avoid being exploited by self-serving politicians. He encouraged them to take up leadership roles in the upcoming elections, emphasizing that this is the only way to amplify their voices and address youth challenges.
“You cannot claim to be the majority in numbers yet remain the minority in leadership. I urge you to step forward and compete for elective positions. That is the only way we can address the issues affecting young people. If you remain timid, you will always be considered secondary instead of taking a leading role,” Nasur asserted.
During the conference, the Multiparty Youth Forum (MYF) welcomed new leaders after the outgoing leadership, chaired by Ismail Kiirya (DP) officially handed over power to the new leadership chaired my Lynette Mirembe of People’s Progressive Party (PPP).
