By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KAMPALA
The Kitswamba Catholic Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Peter Mubunga Basaliza has appealed to the Electoral Commission to remain objective and exercise independence, and not to be intimidated to declare unsuccessful candidates in the 2026 elections.
“Some times it has happened because of the nature of pressure, either from above or somewhere, you end up announcing a different candidate, but, I am humbly requesting that you accept to tell the truth regardless of any situation.” Rev. Fr. Mubunga said.
Fr. Mubunga made the on Tuesday during the Multiparty Youth Dialogue, organized by Multiparty Youth Forum in partnership with the Netherlands Institute of Multiparty Democracy (NIMD) Uganda held at Rwenzori International Hotel in Kasese District.
He further urged the police and other security agencies to observe maximum respect for human rights, and desist from intimidations, especially against opposition candidates.
During the dialogue, youth leaders from different districts that make up the Rwenzori sub-region and from different political parties resolved to commit to promoting peace in the 2026 general elections.
According to the signed peace resolution, the youth who form the biggest percentage of the population (70%) acknowledged that the youth are key actors of electoral violence, and committed themselves to promote peace.
“We, the undersigned youth members of MYF, wish to make a total commitment that we shall peacefully and meaningfully participate in the 2025/26 general elections as candidates, voters, supporters and sympathizers of our affiliated political parties with tolerance, dialogue and promoting peace messages,” the youth committed.
They said they will collaborate with the government, Civil Society Organizations and other elections stakeholders to ensure that this commitment becomes successful.
Lynette Nanyonjo, the Chairperson of MYF said they chose Kasese because of its history of post-election violence and recent reports of violence in the ongoing NRM primary electoral campaigns, where three people allegedly lost their lives.
Some of the youth participants who spoke to Parrots Media explained how they will use the training to promote peace in the region.
Fred Mbusa Sesabyona, the chairperson NRM Youth League for Mahango sub-county many youth in Rwenzori are misled by self-seeking politicians who involve them in violent activities that risk their lives.
“Many youth are ambassadors of violence during elections. I call upon the youth not to engage in violence, especially against voters and the elderly in the forthcoming elections,” said Mbusa.
However, Immaculate Biira dismissed claims that violence in elections is always castigated by the opposition members. She attributed the vice to drug and substance abuse, urging the youth to stay away from drugs likely to affect their political decisions.
“Most people think the youth in the opposition are violent, but that’s not true. At UYD, we do peaceful movements where we meet the youth including those from other political parties and engage them to peaceful talks,” said Biira.
“The youth who do this (incite violence) are maybe under the influence of drugs. So, I am advising them not to use drugs so that they are sober in whatever they are doing during elections, and also to follow the guidelines issued by the electoral commission.”
UPC youth leader in Kasese, Apophia Masiika said she will use the knowledge and skills to mobilize fellow youth and preach peace in the Rwenzori.
“The youth are believed to be the ambassadors of inciting violence, that i not the way to go. But I am going to make sure that every person is engaged and we do everything in a peaceful and in an orderly manner,” said Masiika. “If we have peaceful elections, everything is going to move on peacefully.”
Speaking at the dialogue, Fr. Joseph Tumusiime who was representing the Bishop of Kasese Diocese, Rt. Rev. Francis Aquinus Kibira emphasized the need for peaceful elections, and urged unity and transparency in elections.
“It will be unfortunate if after this conference, you and I go out and incite others to throw stones at opponents only to end up with nothing more than a sachet of waragi,” he said.
