By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KAMPALA
The Electoral Commission (EC) is under fire from youth leaders across Uganda’s political divide for allegedly failing to provide adequate voter education and sensitization ahead of the upcoming Special Interest Groups (SIGs) elections.
Speaking during a joint press conference held Friday (May 16) at the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) headquarters in Najjanankumbi, youth leaders from various political parties represented in Parliament under their umbrella body, the Multiparty Youth Forum (MYF), said the youth have been sidelined for civic education on elections in the country.
Lynnet Nanyonjo, the MYF Chairperson, accused the EC of neglecting its constitutional mandate to adequately educate the youth on the ongoing electoral processes, saying the gap in voter education threatens youth participation in the SIGs elections.
“Many young people hardly come out to vote due to insufficient information about electoral processes and a lack of meaningful engagements,” Nanyonjo said.
The EC scheduled nominations for SIGs committees at village level between June 2 and June 10, 2025, with polling set from June 16 to 19, 2025. However, youth leaders say there is little to no activity or engagement on the ground to raise awareness among the intended voters.
Muzeyi Faizo, the MYF Secretary and a member of Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), said the EC is overly focused on parliamentary and presidential elections, sidelining SIGs processes which are crucial for inclusive governance.
“By now, the momentum for the youth, persons with disabilities, and older persons should be high. But what we are witnessing is a cold electoral environment,” Faizo said.
The youth urged the EC to intensify early voter education through community engagements and workshops to help young people understand the value of participation in democratic processes.
The MYF also decried the EC’s over-reliance on social media to disseminate information, arguing that many rural youths are left out due to poor internet access and limited ownership of smartphones.
“We keep receiving calls that the SIGs registers are not available in several areas, yet the EC’s X handle claims that activities are ongoing. There is a huge gap between online updates and what is happening on the ground,” Faizo added.
Esther Nankya, the NRM National Vice Chairperson for the National Youth Council and aspiring Central Region Youth MP, emphasized the need for traditional communication channels.
“We have young people deep in villages without access to platforms like X or Facebook. We need to use radio, community mobilizers, and other local means to reach them,” she said.
They also renewed calls for electoral reforms, citing the 2023 MYF Reform Proposal launched at Four Points by Sheraton, which demanded a reduction in nomination fees and campaign costs to allow more youth to run for office.
Ivan Masawi, an FDC aspirant for Eastern Youth MP, criticized what he termed the commercialization of politics, saying high nomination fees and unchecked campaign spending have barred capable youth from contesting.
“Many youth have brilliant ideas to transform Uganda, but they are being priced out of the race. The EC should regulate campaign financing and revise nomination fees to encourage wider participation,” Masawi said.
The youth leaders further cautioned the EC against repeating the pattern seen in the delayed Local Council and Women Council elections, urging the commission to restore public trust by adhering to the election calendar and ensuring transparency.
