Africa-Press – Uganda. The Electoral Commission (EC) Chairperson, Justice Simon Byabakama, has cautioned young people against being used as foot soldiers in violent political schemes ahead of the 2026 general elections.
He was addressing youth leaders and students from universities, tertiary institutions, and local councils during the inaugural Peace Ambassadors training workshop in Kampala. The event was organised by the United Nations African Institute for the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders.
Byabakama warned that the growing monetisation and violence in elections threaten the essence of democracy as enshrined in Article One of the Constitution. He urged youth to resist being lured by small financial handouts at the expense of their sovereign power.
“How come when people come to buy your vote, you are willing to take Shs1,000, yet you cannot sell your chicken at that price? Does it mean your chicken is more valuable than you, the owner?” he asked, stressing the need for citizens to value their vote.
He challenged youth to become influencers of principle rather than perpetrators of violence, saying their energy and collective voice can steer the country towards free, fair, and credible elections.
Byabakama also condemned the violence that has marred past polls, citing deadly clashes during party primaries.
“An election doused in the blood of Ugandans is not worth it. I would rather not have it,” he said, warning that violence destabilises societies and undermines national progress.
The EC boss appealed to young people across Uganda and Africa to become “founders of peace and stability” instead of being manipulated into political violence. He noted that destruction of national institutions for the sake of power only leaves countries dependent on foreign aid to rebuild.
With the 2026 polls drawing closer, Byabakama reminded youth of their constitutional duty to safeguard democracy by rejecting corruption, bribery, and violence.
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