Uganda’s youth took part in parish-level elections on Monday, marking a key step in the country’s ongoing efforts to strengthen grassroots democratic structures.
The elections were held in over 10,595 parishes nationwide, with young people choosing their parish committee representatives to lead and advocate for their interests.
The electoral process is part of a structured system in which village-level youth committee members, previously elected, form the electoral college at the parish level. These representatives gathered to elect nine committee members to serve on each parish’s youth committee.
According to Julius Mucunguzi, spokesperson for the Electoral Commission, the elections represent an important milestone in Uganda’s democratic journey.
“Elections are not a war. They are not a do-or-die affair,” Mucunguzi said during a media briefing. “We must conduct ourselves peacefully and with dignity, for the sake of the election, the people of Uganda, and especially the youth.”
Mucunguzi further explained the procedure: youth committee members elected at the village level meet at their respective parishes to vote among themselves for nine parish committee leaders. The voting method involved lining up behind candidates’ posters or symbols, a transparent and straightforward approach that ensured clarity and integrity in the process.
Voting began at 9:00 a.m. and continued until 4:00 p.m., following a brief period of voter education and sensitisation, where young voters were guided through the rules and procedures.
The elections were largely peaceful in most parts of the country. In Mukono, the process went smoothly, while in Kampala, polls started late and some youth reported missing names on the register. In Luwero, tensions flared at Kiwogozi Parish Polling Station, where the election had to be postponed following disagreements over voter eligibility.
Despite a few challenges, the elections marked a meaningful step toward empowering young Ugandans through democratic participation and local leadership.
