2026 elections: UNAFRI trains 80 peace ambassadors

As Uganda moves closer to the 2026 polls, the United Nations African Institute for the Prevention of Crime and Treatment of Offenders (UNAFRI) has trained 80 youth peace ambassadors. The initiative, organisers said, is part of efforts to ensure a peaceful electoral process.

Speaking at the inaugural youth peace ambassadors' workshop held at UNAFRI’s head offices in Kampala on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, the institution’s Director General, Dr Edourd Kitio, urged young people to desist from electoral violence, warning that it can easily tear down the country.

He stressed that electoral violence and malpractice present serious threats to democracy and social stability.

"Recognising the vital role of youth in promoting peaceful and credible electoral processes, UNAFRI has developed a comprehensive programme to equip Ugandans with civic education, conflict resolution skills, and strategies for responsible digital engagement," Kitio said.

Electoral Commission (EC) chairperson Justice Simon Mugenyi Byabakama, in his address, reminded young people of their responsibility to resist being lured by politicians into violence.

He noted that youth are a vital component in the development of democracy, arguing that they should take part meaningfully and peacefully, rather than being used for selfish political interests.

"Dear youth, during the forthcoming general election, I implore you to be good influencers and proposers; please, avoid being used by political actors to cause mayhem," Byabakama said.

22 presidential aspirants submit signatures

The number of presidential hopefuls who have submitted their supporters’ signatures to the Electoral Commission headquarters on Seventh Street, Industrial Area, Kampala, has risen to 22, according to EC spokesperson Julius Mucunguzi.

Of the 220 individuals who collected nomination forms in August, nine represent political parties, while 11 are independents.

Mucunguzi said the commission is carefully verifying each submission to confirm that every supporter is a registered voter, a citizen, and has not endorsed more than one aspirant.

He explained that some submissions had errors, including deliberately incorrect National Identification Numbers (NINs).

“That is why the EC wants to make sure that every detail of nomination forms is accurately done and verified before submission,” Mucunguzi said, adding that certificates of compliance will be issued in due course.

Among the political parties, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) on Friday submitted 2.2 million signatures endorsing President Museveni. The documents were delivered by party secretary general Richard Todwong, alongside senior officials including Rose Namayanja Nsereko, Tanga Odoi, and Barbara Nekesa.

The National Unity Platform (NUP) has also submitted endorsements for its president, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (Bobi Wine), with secretary general David Lewis Rubongoya stating that the party had gathered more signatures than required.

The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) similarly filed over one million signatures backing Nathan Nandala Mafabi.

Other political parties that have complied include Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), the Common Man’s Party, Uganda People’s Movement, the Revolutionary People’s Party, the Conservative Party, the National Peasants Party (NPP), and Joseph Kabuleta’s National Economic Empowerment Dialogue (NEED).

The Alliance for National Transformation (ANT), however, was turned away after falling short of the requirement of 98 districts.

Independent aspirants include John Katumba, who drew attention in the 2021 race, Victoria University law student Alvin Mivule, Francis Ntezibyayo, pastor Henry Byabakama Katabazi, among others.

Katumba faced setbacks when the EC initially rejected his submission after he arrived at 11pm without a proper cover letter.

Frustrations also remain among some independents, with David Magezi accusing the EC of delays despite having submitted early.

The commission has reiterated that compliance is non-negotiable, with any district providing fewer than 100 signatures automatically disqualified.

With presidential nominations scheduled for September 23–24, the EC confirmed that only aspirants who meet the legal threshold will appear on the ballot.