The Multiparty Youth Forum (MYF) has called for an immediate investigation into escalating electoral violence, particularly incidents affecting young people, as the country heads toward the 2026 General Elections.
Addressing journalists, MYF chairperson Lynette Nanyonjo condemned what she described as disturbing scenes of brutality against candidates and their supporters in various parts of the country, warning that such violence undermines youth participation in the electoral process.
Nanyonjo said images circulating on social media show what she termed excessive use of force by security personnel, including police and the army, as well as the alleged involvement of non-uniformed individuals.
She said such conduct is illegal, unacceptable, and contrary to electoral guidelines.
The youth forum is demanding comprehensive statistics from authorities detailing the number of young people arrested, detained, injured, or hospitalised during ongoing campaigns, as well as clarification on the whereabouts of all affected individuals.
The forum is also calling for the unconditional release of persons arrested on political grounds.
Nanyonjo noted that youth groups under the MYF had earlier signed memoranda of understanding committing to non-violence, a process that included engagement with state authorities.
She emphasised that the forum’s current appeal is for peace rather than blame, and urged security agencies to honour the same commitments.
Nanyonjo added that although the National Unity Platform (NUP) is not represented in the current leadership of the Multiparty Youth Forum, the forum has engaged the party as a key stakeholder in ongoing peace dialogue efforts.
The MYF is further seeking clear steps from the Uganda Police Force on how it plans to prevent future incidents of excessive force against civilians, particularly young people exercising their constitutional right to participate in democratic processes.
Nanyonjo warned that electoral violence poses a direct threat to Uganda’s future, arguing that suppressing youth participation places the country’s democracy at risk.
The forum said it will continue to advocate for peace before, during, and after the elections, and called on all stakeholders to allow calm to prevail as the country moves closer to polling day.
Meanwhile, the programmes manager at the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (NIMD), David Mugarra, expressed concern over a growing trend of youth involvement in campaign-related violence, noting that some young people are increasingly engaging in confrontations with security personnel during election periods.
Mugarra said the trend has heightened tensions during campaigns and could jeopardise peaceful elections if not addressed.
Despite the concern, he emphasised that dialogue, not force, should be at the centre of electoral management. He called for inclusive national dialogue involving political actors, security agencies, civil society organisations, and young people.
Mugarra noted that such dialogue should be continuous throughout the electoral season, rather than convened only after violence has escalated.
According to Mugarra, prioritising dialogue would help prevent violence, address grievances early, and promote peaceful political participation, particularly among young people.
He urged all stakeholders to exercise restraint, prioritise engagement, and foster mutual understanding to ensure a peaceful and credible electoral process.
