Youth across Uganda are today electing their parish-level committees in an exercise being conducted by the Electoral Commission (EC) in all 10,595 parishes nationwide.
According to the EC spokesperson Julius Mucunguzi, the elections are part of the ongoing Special Interest Groups (SIG) electoral roadmap, and today’s activity marks a crucial step in building youth representation structures from the grassroots upwards.
“These elections are for the youth who were successfully elected to the village-level youth committees. Those elected members are the only ones eligible to vote today, forming an electoral college at the parish level,” Mucunguzi explained in a national address.
Each parish will see elected village youth committee members gather to elect nine representatives who will form the youth parish committee. Voting is being done by lining up behind a candidate, their poster, symbol, or agent — a method commonly used for grassroots elections in Uganda.
Mucunguzi emphasized that only those on the village youth committees should participate in the elections. “Any youth who is not a member of a village youth committee has nothing to do with this election,” he clarified.
The EC has already concluded the nomination of candidates for various positions, and voting is taking place between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Officials are also carrying out voter education sessions at polling locations to explain the procedures and rules.
The Commission appealed to all participants to maintain peace and discipline throughout the electoral process. “We want to ensure that the youth of Uganda conduct these elections in a peaceful atmosphere that reflects the dignity of the electoral process and of our country,” said Mucunguzi.
He warned against any form of violence or confrontation, noting that supporting different candidates or parties should not create enmity. “Elections are not a war. They are not a do-or-die affair. Let us treat each other with respect and unity even in diversity,” he urged.
Today’s youth parish elections are part of Uganda’s larger efforts to promote inclusive governance and representation among Special Interest Groups. The EC has already conducted elections for Older Persons and Persons with Disabilities, and will hold the youth sub-county elections next, in line with the 2025/26 electoral roadmap.
The Commission congratulated all participants and pledged a transparent, peaceful, and successful election process.
