As Uganda inches closer to the highly anticipated 2026 General Election—an election already marked by rising political tensions, allegations of electoral irregularities, and growing youth frustration—the Dutch Government, through the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (NIMD), has launched a nationwide peace campaign aimed at preventing election-related violence.
The initiative, funded by the Dutch Government, is part of NIMD’s long-standing mission of over 25 years to promote peace, justice, inclusive democracy, women’s political participation, and youth leadership worldwide.
Speaking during the launch of the “Tuwenge – Let’s Talk Peace” caravan in Gulu City, David Mugarra, Programme Manager at NIMD, said Acholi was selected because data from the previous elections—2021, 2016, and earlier—identified it among the hotspots for electoral violence.
“We chose Acholi because of its historical and political context,” Mugarra explained.
“The region still carries the scars of past conflicts. There is growing hate speech among political actors, high youth unemployment, and frustrations that make young people vulnerable to manipulation and violence.”
Mugarra stressed that the peace caravan aims to remind Ugandans, especially young people, of their responsibility to ensure a peaceful election.
“Every citizen has a role to play. Religious leaders, youth, political parties, and security agencies must all work together,” he said.
The NIMD study conducted between May and August 2025 identified other hotspots including Mbale, Kasese, Mbarara, Masaka, Rwenzori region, and Kampala.
Mugarra noted that the law places the primary mandate for election security on the Uganda Police Force, and urged against excessive involvement of military actors such as the UPDF.
He commended areas where police have already managed campaigns without resorting to violence and encouraged political actors to avoid provocation, hate speech, and divisive politics.
“Do not provoke people who are armed. Allow security to do their work professionally,” he cautioned.
Mugarra further warned that many voters continue to be manipulated into acts such as tearing down posters, abusing candidates, or spreading falsehoods.
“Voters must refuse to be used for negative activities. Once the country burns, we all lose,” he emphasized.
Voices from Acholi: Leaders call for calm as election tensions rise
Judith Obina Okumu, Independent Woman MP Candidate for Gulu City, said the region’s history of conflict and poverty makes peace even more essential in 2026.
“Whether I win or not, I will preach peace, unity, and wealth creation. Our region suffered 25 years of war; we cannot allow politics to drag us back,” she said.
Obina, who was part of the 2007 government delegation that attempted to negotiate peace with LRA leader Joseph Kony in Garamba, South Sudan, said true peace also depends on addressing land conflicts—one of Acholi’s biggest drivers of violence.
She pledged to introduce “blueprint registration” of land and streamline land titling to protect communities from exploitation.
Ojara Martin Mapenduzi, MP for Bardege-Layibi Division, said his 2026 campaign will avoid hostility and focus on development.
“I will not entertain violence, rumour-mongering, or divisive politics. My mission is to ensure voters benefit from development and remain peaceful before and after the election,” he said.
He urged candidates to avoid vulgar language during campaigns, especially in front of children.
Rwot Okwonga Yusuf Adek, Paramount Chief of Pageya, encouraged unity and respect among political competitors.
“Leadership is about love, trust, and guidance. Whether you win or lose, you remain a leader. Criticizing or attacking each other after elections can fuel violence,” he warned.
The cultural leader condemned the use of insults and death wishes during campaigns, calling them un-Acholi and dangerous.
Electoral Commission welcomes initiative
Elima Dorcus Kay, an official from the Electoral Commission (EC) in Gulu, thanked the Dutch Government and NIMD for complementing the EC’s mandate.
“This was supposed to be our responsibility as the Electoral Commission, but NIMD has strengthened our work. We ask all who attended the launch to become ambassadors of peace ahead of the voting period—15th January to 6th February 2026,” she said.
She insisted that the EC is working to ensure voter education, neutrality, and protection of candidates’ rights, emphasizing that every vote counts.
“Without peace, our environment cannot thrive. Your vote is your voice, use it to bring peace to Uganda,” she added.
According to global findings by NIMD, less than 8% of the world’s population lives in full democracies. However, people living in democratic societies tend to enjoy higher life expectancy, greater happiness, and increased life satisfaction.
Uganda’s democratic space remains contested, with concerns over security force involvement in elections, intimidation of opposition actors, and deeply polarized political narratives.
Even so, institutions like the Uganda Democracy Academy continue working to rebuild trust and promote inclusive political participation.
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