80 peace ambassadors urged on peaceful 2026 elections

KAMPALA - As the clock ticks towards the 2026 General Election, the United Nations African Institute for the Prevention of Crime and Treatment of Offenders (UNAFRI) has trained a total of 80 peace ambassadors.

The training,  according to organisers, is part of the efforts by the UNAFRI to ensure a peaceful electoral process.

Speaking at the inaugural youth peace ambassadors' workshop at UNAFRI'S head offices in Kampala on September 16, 2025, the institution’s director general Dr Edourd Kitio rallied the youth to cease electoral violence,  pointing out that the vice can easily tear down the country.

He emphasised that electoral violence and malpractice pose serious threats to democracy and social stability in the country.

"Recognising the vital role of youth in promoting peaceful and credible electoral processes, UNAFRI has developed a comprehensive programme to equip Ugandans with civic education,  conflict resolution skills,  and strategies for responsible digital engagement, " Kitio said.

Electoral Commission chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama implored the youth to realise their roles to avoid being lured by politicians into election violence.

He noted that the youth are a critical component to the development of any democracy,  arguing that they should meaningfully participate in the electoral processes of their country peacefully other than being used for political selfish gains.

"Dear youth, during the forthcoming general election,  I implore you to be good influencers and proposers; please,  avoid being used by political actors to cause mayhem, " Byabakama said.

22 presidential aspirants submit signatures

The number of presidential hopefuls who have presented their supporters’ signatures to the Electoral Commission (EC) headquarters on Seventh Street, Industrial Area, Kampala, has risen to 22, according to EC spokesperson Julius Mucunguzi.

Out of the 220 who picked nomination forms in August, nine represent political parties while 11 are independents.

Mucunguzi said the commission is carefully verifying each submission to ensure that every supporter is a registered voter, a citizen, and has not endorsed more than one aspirant.

He noted that some submissions had errors, including deliberately wrong National Identification Numbers (NINs).

“That is why the EC wants to make sure that every detail of nomination forms is accurately done and verified before submission,” Mucunguzi said, adding that certificates of compliance will be issued in due course.

Among the political parties, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) on Friday submitted 2.2 million signatures endorsing President Museveni.

They were delivered by party secretary general Richard Todwong, alongside senior officials including Rose Namayanja Nsereko, Tanga Odoi, and Barbara Nekesa.

Dr Edourd Kitio rallied the youth to cease electoral violence,  pointing out that the vice can easily tear down the country. (Credit: Miriam Najjingo)

The National Unity Platform (NUP) has also submitted endorsements for its president Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (Bobi Wine), with secretary general David Lewis Rubongoya stating the party had gathered more signatures than required.

Similarly, the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) filed over one million signatures backing Nathan Nandala Mafabi.

Other parties that have complied, include Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), the Common Man’s Party, Uganda People’s Movement, the Revolutionary People’s Party, the Conservative Party, the National Peasants Party (NPP) and Joseph Kabuleta’s National Economic Empowerment Dialogue (NEED).

The Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) attempted to submit but was turned away after falling short of the requirement of 98 districts.

Independent aspirants, include John Katumba, who made headlines in 2021, Victoria University law student Alvin Mivule, Francis Ntezibyayo, pastor Henry Byabakama Katabazi, and several others.

Katumba had a rocky start this time, with the EC initially refusing to accept his documents after he arrived at 11pm without a proper cover letter.

Frustrations remain among some independents, with David Magezi accusing the EC of delays despite submitting early.

The commission has reiterated that compliance is non-negotiable, with districts providing fewer than 100 signatures automatically disqualified.

With presidential nominations set for September 23–24, the EC says only aspirants who meet the legal threshold will proceed to the ballot.