Young individuals are urged to exercise caution against falling prey to political opportunists seeking to exploit their enthusiasm for personal gains amidst the escalating political fervor ahead of the 2026 general elections. The warning comes as Uganda, with the world’s youngest population, gears up for a crucial electoral period.
Navigating Political Landscape
Motivational speaker Samalie T Lubega delivered a keynote address during the Youth Day celebrations at Kasubi Kampala, cautioning the youth about the potential dangers of political opportunism. Lubega emphasized the need for thorough understanding of political leaders, their agendas, visions, missions, and motives before aligning with any political faction.
“If you do not understand a political leader and their agenda, vision, mission, and motives, you should not be quick to jump onto their wagon,” Lubega advised.
Youth Demographics in Uganda
| Age Group | Population |
|---|---|
| Under 25 years | 77% of the population |
| Youth (15 to 24 yrs) | 7,310,386 |
Election Timeline and Concerns
In August of the previous year, the Electoral Commission unveiled the 2026 electoral roadmap, delineating electoral areas for July 2024, with elections scheduled from January 12 to February 9, 2026. With a significant youth demographic, comprising 77% of the population, there is a pressing need to address concerns related to potential manipulation and exploitation during the political season.
Avoiding Uninformed Allegiances
Lubega underscored the tendency for politicians to manipulate youth during elections, urging them to avoid hasty allegiances without a thorough understanding of the political landscape. She advised youth to critically assess whether they genuinely believe in a politician’s message and encouraged them to support based on a well-informed decision.
Youth Day Celebrations
The Youth Day celebrations, organized by the Kampala Area Federation of Communities in collaboration with Child Fund Uganda, drew over 200 youths from various Kampala city outskirts. Themed ‘Youth in Sustainable Development Efforts,’ the event aimed to engage young individuals in discussions and activities contributing to their overall development.
Objectives of Youth Support Program
| Program Components | Objectives |
|---|---|
| Economic strengthening | Improve the lives of youth and their families |
| Vocational skills training | Enhance opportunities for those out of school |
| Peer-to-peer education | Foster responsible citizenship |
| Child protection programs in schools | Active participation in national development |
Empowering Youth for Development
Proscovia Maraka, the Program Manager for Kampala Area Federation of Communities, highlighted the organization’s efforts in providing economic strengthening and vocational skills to empower youth for a brighter future. She emphasized peer-to-peer education and child protection programs as integral components to nurture responsible citizens actively engaged in the country’s development agenda.
Partnership and Awareness
As part of the celebrations, the organization collaborated with the Naguru Teenage Centre, conducting HIV testing and counseling to raise awareness about the youth’s health and sustainability. The festivities also included a sports gala, promoting teamwork and community engagement among the youth.
