Electoral Commission, ABETO partner to promote peaceful elections
Electoral Commission chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama Mugenyi and ABETO representatives, convened at the EC head offices in Namuwongo, Kampala, to confront the urgent challenge of electoral violence ahead of the 2026 general elections yesterday, 15th July 2024
On July 15th, 2024, Justice Simon Byabakama Mugenyi, the chairperson of the Electoral Commission, and representatives from ABETO gathered at the EC headquarters in Namuwongo, Kampala, to address the pressing issue of electoral violence in preparation for the 2026 general elections.
“There is a great need to rally the youth, especially in urban areas to embrace the culture of peaceful coexistence and tolerance towards the electoral cycle ahead of the 2026 general elections. It has been a challenge that those who are active voters do not conduct themselves in a way that is consonant with the peace process during the elective season,” he said.
“Part of our concern is that these youth who are out of institutions of learning are scattered in towns and they are the ones used to organize demonstrations and riots by political actors in cities and this must stop,” he added.
According to Byabakama, the gathering aimed to explore strategies for harnessing the energy and potential of the youth in promoting peaceful elections.
“Whenever we are holding elections, tolerance is the first victim to suffer and this puts the nation at great risk of violence which claims very many lives during the election period,” Byabakama, who seeks an end to such culture, lamented.
“These riotous youth are not readily available to receive messages of peaceful elections during civic and voter education but we have invited ABETO to be part of organizations which seek to crack down on this,” he added.
Byabakama said that engaging political parties early enough can help mobilize the population into embracing why peaceful elections benefit all citizens irrespective of all political affiliations.
“We have had a challenge with the opposition parties who wrongly guide the youth into only confronting security organs during campaigns and election days, disrupting businesses of those engaging in meaningful economic activities,” he noted.
“Election-related demonstrations paralysed the country on November 18, 2020, when the National Unity Platform presidential candidate, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu aka Bobi Wine was arrested for flouting COVID-19 related guidelines during 2021 general election campaigns and that’s what we should work to stop when it is still early,” he clarified.
Byabakama emphasised the vulnerability of young people to manipulation by individuals who incite violence for personal gain. He urged the youth to recognise their value and resist exploitation, instead channeling their energies into constructive contributions to the electoral process.
ABETO chairperson, Moses Musana, highlighted the critical role the youth play in shaping the country’s future emphasising the need for young individuals to engage in constructive dialogue, build bridges across political divides, and prioritise peaceful expression.
“With ABETO coming on board, if the syllabus is co-opted, this shall bring positive change to create a new Uganda which cherishes peace, stability and development,” he optimistically added.
Formed in 1996, ABETO has been offering peace education in schools and higher institutions of learning teaching political tolerance, peace and security, especially during elections.
