Netherlands Institute cautions Ugandan youth against violence in 2026 General Elections

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The Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (NIMD) has cautioned youth against engaging in violence during the 2026 General Election, warning that young people have played a major role in past election-related unrest.

NIMD programme manager David Mugera says Uganda has a history of violent elections, noting that about seven past polls have all been marked by unrest. He stressed that young people have often been at the centre of the violence.

“The actors had been the young people, and we believe that in the 2026 General Election, we can be agents of change,” Mugera said while addressing youth at Mayor’s Garden in Lira city on September 6, 2025.

“Once young people begin to speak this language, we shall have a peaceful election.”

Mugera was speaking at Lira City Youth Expo 2025, organised by the National Youth Council, the Netherlands Institute for Multi-party Democracy and Betty Amongi foundation to allow youth to showcase their business and innovation talents.

Youth leaders of different political parties introducing themselves at Mayor`s Garden in Lira City during the expo on Saturday. (Credit: Patrick Okino)

Youth leaders of different political parties, the National Resistance Movement, the Uganda People's Congress, Democratic Party and the Forum for Democratic Change, among others, attended the expo under the theme: Entrepreneurship-the solution to unemployment and a tool for empowerment.

Unemployment challenge

He noted that unemployment continues to drive poverty, hopelessness, and desperation among young people, making them vulnerable to manipulation during elections.

“We have been manipulated because we don’t have money. We have been betrayed because we have no say due to our weak pockets,” Mugera said. “But I want to challenge you: There are many opportunities that can bring money into your pockets. Uganda, and especially Lango, is rich in resources.”

Mugera encouraged young people to organise themselves into groups and networks that can connect them with available opportunities.

He said this would allow them to tap into local resources and create sustainable income, reducing their vulnerability to manipulation during elections.

“Once we have meaningful employment and steady sources of income, it becomes very hard for us to be manipulated,” he said.

“Instead of negotiating for waragi, shillings 5,000 or 10,000, we shall start negotiating for roads, walking tractors, machinery and real development. But when we ignore the opportunities around us, we keep settling for small things — and become tools for an agenda we don’t even believe in.”

Jacob Eyaru, the chairperson of the National Youth Council, acknowledged that youth across Uganda are struggling with unemployment. However, he said the government cannot provide jobs for everyone, but can create an environment where young people can thrive if they are innovative, creative and well-supported.

“One of the supporters we’re talking about is the Youth Livelihood Programme and the Youth Venture Capital Fund,” Eyaru said.

He said if young people are innovative and creative, and if they are supported, they can find their own paths to success.

The expo was officially closed by gender minister Betty Amongi, who urged young people to upgrade their businesses and pursue innovation.

She pledged support through Betty Amongi Foundation by provision of equipment such as sewing machines, shoe-making tools, and access to technical training.