Buganda youths urged to be agents of peace ahead of Thursday polls

__________________

More than 250 members of the national executive committee of Buganda youth leaders, under their umbrella body, Baganda Nkoba za Mbogo Students Association, were on Monday, January 12, 2026, engaged in an election mentorship session ahead of the forthcoming polls.

One of the facilitators, Maj. Gen. Christopher Ddamulira, the director of crime intelligence at the Uganda Police Force, urged the youths to reject identity-based provocation, avoid the expression of negative political views, and shun crowds and confrontations.

“Also, verify information before any reaction, and also ensure you go to your respective home immediately after casting your votes to enhance peace and stability during and after the electoral process,” Ddamulira told the youths.

He noted that according to the 2024 Uganda National Bureau of Statistics report, Uganda’s population stands at 45.9 million people, with 75 percent being youths.

“This makes Uganda a country whose political future is shaped largely by youth, and therefore, any election-related violence-disruption involving them directly, impacts national stability,” he said, adding that the country’s economy largely depends on trade, services, agriculture, informal and small-scale businesses, which are closely tied to peace.

Ddamulira warned that failure by youths to shun violence could lead to regrettable disruptions in key sectors such as employment and education, destroying businesses and livelihoods while damaging Buganda’s image both nationally and internationally.

“As Police, we shall ensure protection of life and property, secure the electoral process, and prevent disorder and chaos. Being law-abiding is not surrender; it is strategic strength, and a vote cast in chaos loses meaning, so once you abide by the electoral laws and guidelines as youths, it will prevent unnecessary loss of life, preserve the integrity of results, protect voters and candidates alike,” Ddamulira added.

Meanwhile, Inspectorate of Government official Aisha Naluzze also addressed the youth leaders and urged them to vote for leaders who conduct themselves in a desirable manner.

In the same vein, Deputy Inspector General of Government Ann Muhairwe reminded the youths to express their values without mixing them with tribal or religious emotions.

“Patriotism is key, and so, let’s build ourselves first and also vote with conscience to save our vulnerable people in our societies,” Muhairwe said.

Bishop Dr Joshua Lwere also highlighted the role and influence of youths during elections, particularly in relation to peace.

“Uganda belongs to the youths because you’re our replacements as elders. However, observe the co-existence of other people, have good morals because when youths perform better, the country benefits, while when they get spoilt, the country also gets spoilt,” Lwere said.

Moses Ssemuju, the national chairperson of Baganda Nkoba za Mbogo, pledged to comply with the guidance given during the mentorship session. (Photo by Stuart Yiga)

In his remarks, Moses Ssemuju, the national chairperson of Baganda Nkoba za Mbogo, pledged to comply with the guidance given during the mentorship session.

He said participants from 10 universities, including Soroti University, Busitema University, Makerere University, Makerere Business School, Buganda Royal Institute, Muteesa I Royal University, Kampala International University and Islamic University in Uganda, among others, took part in the session.