By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KAMPALA
Youth delegates from the four regions of the country are today casting their votes to elect regional youth representatives to the 12th Parliament.
According to the Electoral Commission (EC), the voting is taking place at designated venues across the regions. In Eastern Uganda, delegates are voting at the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) in Mbale City. Central region delegates are voting at Masaka Sports Arena in Masaka City, while Northern region voting is being conducted at Mvara Secondary School in Arua City. In the Western region, the voting venue is Ntare School in Mbarara City.
The EC public relations officer, Julius Mucunguzi, said each region will elect one youth representative to Parliament.
“Each region elects one representative. The contest is open to all genders. However, the law provides for an additional position of National Female Youth Member of Parliament,” Mucunguzi said.
He explained that the total number of youth MPs is five, comprising four regional youth MPs and one National Female Youth MP.
“The four regional youth MP positions can be contested by either male or female candidates, but there is a specific slot reserved for a national female youth MP,” he added.
Mucunguzi clarified that voting for the National Female Youth MP will not take place today but is scheduled for February 6, 2026.
According to EC, the delegates’ conference for the election of regional youth representatives to Parliament comprises three members from each sub-county, town or municipal division youth executive committee in the region; namely the chairperson, secretary for finance and secretary for female affairs. The conference also includes nine members of each city or district youth executive committee in the region, three members from each municipality or city division youth executive committee, one youth with disability from each city or district, and two delegates from the Uganda National Students Association (UNSA) per city or district, one of whom must be female.
Mucunguzi appealed to all eligible voters to participate peacefully and in line with the electoral guidelines.
“All candidates, their agents and supporters are reminded to observe the respective dates and venues and participate in accordance with the guidelines for the elections,” EC cautioned.
Meanwhile, Mucunguzi said the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) are also today voting for their parliamentary representatives during the Army Council sitting at Bombo Barracks.
The Army Council, which serves as the electoral college, selects and approves 10 UPDF representatives to Parliament from a list of 20 to 30 officers nominated by the President, who is the Commander-in-Chief. At least one-third of the representatives must be women.
The UPDF representatives are tasked with providing expert input on security matters in Parliament, serving as what the EC described as “listening posts” to ensure the military’s perspective is considered in the legislative process.
