Busoga youth leaders and aspirants urged to ensure peaceful elections

24 November 2025, 12:49

By ALI lukomo

Led by the former Woman Member of Parliament, Hon Beatrice Kiraso, the Managing Director of the International Republican Institute (IRI), the initiative aims to promote the message of peace ahead of the upcoming elections. The organisation has projected that potential violence is most likely in highly competitive positions, such as parliamentary and presidential races.

Speaking to the press after engaging with youth leaders, Hon Beatrice urged young people to remain non-violent and to promote peace during and after the elections. She emphasised the importance of responsible participation and maintaining harmony throughout the electoral process.

According to Mr Bony Mibiazalwa, a youth aspirant for the Forum for Democratic Front in Kamuli Municipality, they have already implemented the initiatives outlined in his manifesto and promised to put into practice what they have learned.

In her speech, Mrs Mutesi Agatha, who is also vying for the youth position in Kamuli Municipality on the PFF ticket, commended the important work being done by the International Republican Institute and urged young people to cooperate with security agencies during and after the elections.

In a nutshell, below is the media report:

It is a profound honour to stand before you today at this important Youth Electoral Violence Prevention Roundtable here in the beautiful town of Kamuli. I am truly delighted to join such a diverse and distinguished gathering of young people from politics, civil society, academia, business, faith communities, the media, and grassroots organisations, all united by a shared commitment to peace, inclusion, and democracy.

I would like to sincerely appreciate the Honorable Beatrice Kiraso, who is leading this initiative on behalf of the International Republican Institute (IRI) as a consultant. Your unwavering dedication to promoting youth leadership and safeguarding peace in our electoral processes is both timely and inspiring.

Over the years, Uganda has made commendable progress in advancing youth participation in politics, governance, and peacebuilding. Across all sectors, young people continue to demonstrate remarkable strength, resilience, and leadership, not only within our borders but as part of a global movement for peace and equality.

Today’s roundtable provides a valuable opportunity for the youth of the eastern region to reflect, connect, and strategise. You have shown, time and again, that when young people are fully involved, our politics becomes more inclusive, more transparent, and more people-centred.

At the International Republican Institute (IRI), we remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting peace, democracy, and youth participation in leadership. We firmly believe that no democracy can be sustainable unless young people are fully and equally involved.

Last year, on 25 October 2024, IRI brought together stakeholders from across Uganda—including political parties, security agencies, government institutions, civil society, religious and cultural leaders, the Electoral Commission, the diplomatic community, and youth and women groups—to sign the historic National Peace Pledge at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel. That moment was more than symbolic; it represented a collective commitment to safeguard our democracy through peace.

I urge all of you here—young leaders, party officials, civil society actors, and community influencers—to remain at the forefront of peacebuilding as the elections approach. Let our voices unite rather than divide, build trust rather than fear, and encourage participation.

Before I conclude, allow me to wish every young person preparing to contest for office the very best. Leadership is service, and through your courage, you are inspiring countless young people to believe that they too can lead, serve, and shape the future of our great nation.