Africa-Press – Uganda. Youth leaders have urged government, media and political actors to prioritize peaceful messaging and balanced information access as Uganda prepares for the 2026 general elections, warning that unfair media practices and inflammatory rhetoric could fuel tension among young voters.
This call was made during the National Youth Dialogue on Violence and Torture-Free Elections held at Golf Course Hotel in Kampala.
The dialogue, organized by the African Centre for Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture Victims (ACTV), brought together youth leaders, the Electoral Commission, Uganda Police Force, Human Rights Commission, political actors and torture survivors.
Speaking at the dialogue, Buvuma District Youth Council chairperson Lawrence Bogere said election violence is largely driven by politicians who, in many cases, spread messages of hate that incite young people into engaging in violence.
He urged politicians, security agencies and the media to prioritize peaceful messaging ahead of the 2026 polls.
“We urge politicians to prioritize peace in their messaging. Some don’t care about the impact of their words and end up inciting young people. They must be intentional and avoid spreading hate,” he said.
Bogere emphasized the role of media fairness and civic preparation in maintaining peace.
“I beg that there is balanced media coverage, whereby all media houses are given opportunity so that they can cover everything at any day, at any polling station,” Bogere said.
“When you hinder some media houses, you hinder people from accessing information, you are putting a line between other media houses and one media house.”
Bogere appealed to the Electoral Commission to train candidates to promote responsible campaigning and accurate messaging.
“You might find that some candidates have no clue… how to make speeches during campaigns, to deliver rightful information to the public,” he said.
“The Electoral Commission should organize training for the candidates who have applied to go through the electoral process.”
He stressed that the media must take lead in promoting non-violence:
“Media houses should also promote peaceful messages to the public, so that we can be united at times of the election.”
Bogere further called for support to youth enterprises, noting economic stability reduces vulnerability to election manipulation.
“When the youth have business and what to do, that will protect them from engaging in violence,” he said, urging government to strengthen programmes like the Youth Livelihood Programme and Parish Development Model.
Bogere also encouraged patriotic values and peaceful conduct among security forces and youth.
“Patriot campaigns will help the youth to gain the spirit of loving their nation… When I have a patriot heart in me, that will help me not to attack my brother,” he noted.
“Please be peaceful at any point. Don’t fight police officers because they are also doing their own job.”
ACTV Chief Executive Officer Samuel Herbert Nsubuga said engaging the youth who make up 77% of Uganda’s population is key to breaking the cycle of electoral violence.
“Uganda has had a history of violent elections since 2001, the youth are the majority, so they have a large stake,” Nsubuga said. “With us having an engagement with the youth it would help us have a better election in 2026.”
Nsubuga stressed the importance of civic education and truthful reporting.
“It’s extremely important that there is no misinformation and disinformation from the media, if a result is not correct, it may lead to violence because people feel they are being ripped out of an election,” he noted.
He cautioned security officers against abuses, reminding them of personal liability under Uganda’s anti-torture law.
“Security agencies should know that there is individual liability for their actions, they would be personally liable for their actions,” he emphasized.
Nsubuga also urged candidates to champion peace.
“The candidates should be at the front line of having a peaceful election, because supporters may do what they say,” he said.
“They have the responsibility to ensure a free and fair election, free of torture and violence.”
The national meeting followed regional youth dialogues in Masaka, Jinja and Gulu, where youth leaders signed Peace Commitment Declarations promising to support non-violent elections.
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