Religious leaders in Kasese have called on youth leaders from the Rwenzori sub-region to uphold peace and avoid violence as the country approaches the 2026 general elections.
Speaking during a youth leadership dialogue held at Rwenzori International Hotel, on July 8, 2025, Reverend Father Peter Mabunga Basaliza, a representative of the Justice Forum Council and parish priest at Kitswamba Catholic Parish, urged young people to act as peace ambassadors regardless of their political affiliations.
“As we head into the 2026 elections, let all youth leaders be peace ambassadors and urge fellow youth to remain peaceful as we serve our different political parties. Uganda is bigger than all of us and will be here after elections,” Rev Fr Basaliza said.
He also emphasized the importance of respecting the rule of law and upholding fundamental rights.
“Please respect human rights, freedom of speech, freedom of movement. You must know and follow the law because ignorance of the law is not an excuse,” he cautioned.
Reverend Father Joseph Tumusime from Nyakahya Catholic Parish in the Diocese of Kasese echoed similar sentiments, warning youth not to be manipulated by opportunistic politicians.
“After elections, the people you are campaigning for may abandon you while they enjoy the privileges of office. Let us work for a Uganda that is safe and inclusive. Let’s put the country before our political affiliations,” Fr Tumusime advised.
Youth leaders also shared their perspectives during the dialogue. Mumbere Isaac, a youth leader from the National Unity Platform (NUP) and aspiring Member of Parliament for Busongora South County, encouraged young people to focus on personal development.
“Let all young people be active and work hard to earn a decent living so that we are not used as tools of violence,” Mumbere said.
The dialogue was organized by the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (NIMD) in partnership with the Multiparty Youth Forum. The forum brings together youth leaders from various political parties, including NRM, FDC, DP, UPC, JEEMA, and the People’s Progressive Party, along with representatives from the Uganda National Students Association (UNSA), National Youth Council (NYC), and the Uganda Parliamentary Forum for Youth Affairs.
Also in attendance were officials from the Uganda Police Force, Electoral Commission, civil society organizations, ghetto youth representatives, and religious leaders.
The event aimed to promote dialogue, tolerance, and peaceful participation in the political process among Uganda’s youth as the nation prepares for the 2026 elections.
