By Kitts D.Mabonga
Uganda’s Electoral Commission (EC) has reaffirmed its support for the involvement of the UPDF in national electoral processes, stating that it will continue covering the upcoming future electoral process. mechanisms
These remarks were made by the EC boss, Justice Simon Mugyenyi Byabakama, during a youth forum conference held at Makerere University.
The conference, titled “Empowering Ugandan youth leaders to safeguard peace and security during the 2025/26 National elections”, was organized by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Youth Forum for Peace Uganda chapter in collaboration with the National youth council and the electoral commission.
He addressed concerns raised by the youth leaders regarding the army’s role in elections, emphasizing that any allegations of excessive force should be directed towards individual officers rather than the entire force.
He further highlighted that the law stipulates the UPDF’s involvement in restoring peace during political campaigns upon the request of the Uganda police force.
The audience strongly opposed the statement, emphasizing that the UPDF should focus on safeguarding national borders and refrain entirely from interfering in national elections, as it is constitutionally mandated to take military action against threats to the state.
Byabakama dared anyone to provide proof that military involvement led to violence in previous elections, stating that if any soldier is found guilty, they should face legal consequences instead of blaming the entire army.
He questioned why anyone would question the UPDF’s role in elections unless they harbor ill intentions towards the institution, suggesting that complaints should be directed through proper legal channels.
He noted that the national elections roadmap was underway and soon implementation processes would commence given that the government has sanctioned the budget for the next electoral cycle.
The East African Legislative Assembly also the Democratic Party Secretary General, Gerald Siranda pointed out that the youth leaders should actively participate in the upcoming national elections such that they can use the voice at various power levels to speak out their issues for redress.
“We implore you as national youth leaders drawn from several political shades of opinion to actively strategize and participate in the forthcoming national elections and as well avoid participating in acts of violence and politics of hatred and intrigue as this was not the correct line of good leadership especially from youth political Turks like you,” Siranda noted.
He challenged the EC to ensure that it worked hard to bring about confidence from all the stakeholders in this very important process by moving forward and addressing all possible bottlenecks that may derail their public confidence and trust.
He thanked the conveners of the conference saying the meeting has effectively empowered the youth leaders with skills of how best to maneuver in national political multi-party political dispensations.
The team lead IGAD youth forum for peace Uganda chapter Dr. Mercy Kobusingye and the IGAD youth envoy Sam Ogwal with the vice chairperson of the national youth council [NYC] Dr. Nankya Esther collectively thanked all the stakeholders for turning up in big numbers saying they are optimistic that knowledge acquired during the conference has enriched both their political and psychological thinking and reasoning thus turning them into positive upcoming future responsible leaders of society.
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