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Youth leaders in the Acholi sub-region have launched the Association of Acholi Youth Councillors (AAYC) to combat electoral violence and empower young people ahead of Uganda’s 2026 elections. The initiative focuses on socio-economic transformation, financial support through SACCOS, and promoting peace and development.

As Uganda approaches the 2026 general elections, youth leaders in the Acholi sub-region have unveiled an initiative aimed at combating the exploitation of young people for electoral violence, a recurring issue in previous campaigns.

This effort is spearheaded by the newly formed Association of Acholi Youth Councillors (AAYC), which brings together youth councillors from all districts, cities, and municipalities within the Acholi sub-region. The association comprises 24 founding members representing areas such as Kitgum District, Kitgum Municipality, Gulu City, Gulu District, Pader, Agago, Lamwo, Amuru, Nwoya, and Omoro.

Dr. Denish Kilama, the chairperson of AAYC and male youth councillor for Amuru District, revealed in an exclusive interview with Radio Rupiny that young people are often manipulated by politicians with ill intentions, exploiting their vulnerability to incite violence and criminal activity for political gain.

Dr. Kilama noted that the frustration and unemployment faced by many youths leave them susceptible to such exploitation. He emphasized that the association’s key objective is to empower young people, prevent their involvement in violence and crime, and educate them on their role in Uganda’s socio-economic transformation.

The association draws its ideological foundation from “Musevenomics,” a concept introduced by President Museveni to drive economic transformation through the factors of production land, capital, labor, and entrepreneurship while adding knowledge as a critical component.

“Although labor remains a significant factor of production, the lack of capital is a major challenge,” Dr. Kilama stated. He explained that the association will hold youth leaders accountable and advocate for policies that support youth development. Additionally, it aims to promote skill development and industrial growth in Northern Uganda.

On January 25, 2025, the AAYC launched its Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisation (SACCOS) to provide financial support to the youth.

The launch event, attended by youth leaders from the Acholi, Karamoja, Lango, and West Nile sub-regions, was presided over by Hon. Esther Davinia Anyakun, the state minister for Gender, Labour, and Social Development in charge of Employment and Industrial Relations.

Representing the Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Anita Annett Among, Minister Anyakun encouraged youth to embrace government programs such as Emyoga, the Parish Development Model, and the Youth Livelihood Project to eradicate poverty and improve their socio-economic well-being. She also delivered UGX 20 million to the SACCOS on behalf of the Speaker’s office and commended the NRM government for creating opportunities for youth empowerment.

Insights from Key Speakers

Hon. Norbert Mao, the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, urged young people to take ownership of Uganda’s future. While acknowledging that youth account for 70% of the population, he noted that many remain passive and feel excluded. He called on young people to seek knowledge, mentorship, and prepare for leadership.

Lt. Gen. Charles Otema, Commander of the UPDF Reserve Force, advised youth to prioritize saving and investing in agriculture, particularly in high-value cash crops like coffee and cocoa. Lt. Gen. Felix Busizori, Commander of the Fourth Division, emphasized patriotism, the fight against corruption, rejection of tribalism, and environmental conservation.

Youth Perspectives

Challa Elma Kapel, former Miss Tourism Uganda (2018/2019), highlighted the untapped potential of Northern Uganda’s tourism sector, including cultural tourism, game parks, and hospitality. She stressed the need to attract investors to establish industries that can create jobs and improve the economic status of youth in the region.

Richard Onencan Apili, Guild President of the East African Institute for Management Science in Gulu City, decried the exclusion of youth from leadership roles, citing the dominance of power and resources by wealthy elders. He called for mentorship to prepare young leaders for future responsibilities.

Francis Otim, a councillor for Kirombe Ward in Gulu City, expressed concern about the misinformation directed at youth during elections. He criticized the commercialization of politics and urged young people to resist being used for violence during campaigns. Otim also encouraged capable youth to step forward as leaders, even in the absence of financial resources, and present their ideas with confidence.