Youth Leaders Empowered With Skills, Knowledge to Ensure Peaceful Elections*
By John Kusolo
Counsel Innocent Ndahiriwe, representing the IGAD Head of Mission to the Republic of Uganda has emphasized IGAD's ongoing commitment to engaging youth through the office of the IGAD Youth Envoy.
" IGAD will continue to support such dialogues and forums at both the regional and Member State levels, building a future where youth are not only participants but also leaders and architects of a peaceful, secure, and prosperous IGAD region."
He made the remarks at the IGAD Youth Dialogue capacity-building symposium with the Uganda Electoral Commission at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda.
The event aimed to equip youth leaders with the essential skills and knowledge to ensure peaceful, secure, and fair elections during the 2026 national elections. It was inaugurated by Justice Byabakama Mugenyi Simon, Chairperson Uganda Electoral Commission.
Historic Appointment and Commitment to Youth Engagement
On November 29, 2023, in Mombasa, Kenya, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) marked a historic milestone with the announcement and appointment of the first-ever IGAD Youth Envoy, Mr. Sam Ogwal from Uganda. This significant event, officiated by H.E. Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, the IGAD Executive Secretary, underscores IGAD's unwavering commitment to integrating the youth agenda into its regional development and stability initiatives. Dr. Gebeyehu prioritized the youth agenda as part of his flagship project within his first 100 days in office, aiming at realizing sustainable development and stability in the IGAD region.
Prior to this, IGAD had established the IGAD Youth Forum for Peace in 2021, creating a platform for youth engagement in conflict prevention, peacebuilding, and regional dialogue. To operationalize the Youth Forum, a high-level expert panel was appointed to ensure a transparent and merit-based selection process for the IGAD Youth Envoy. Mr. Sam Ogwal was selected from a pool of eligible candidates nominated by IGAD Member States. His role involves advocating for youth policy implementation, connecting with youth leaders, and bridging the gap between the youth and decision-makers at the regional level.
Empowering Ugandan Youth Leaders for the 2026 National Elections
In relation to today's theme of empowering Ugandan youth leaders to safeguard peace and security in the 2026 national elections, several key initiatives have been highlighted. These include increasing youth participation in the electoral process, fostering partnerships to promote peace and security, leveraging technology and social media, promoting inclusivity and diversity, supporting economic empowerment initiatives, and ensuring sustained engagement and support for youth leaders beyond the election period.
Increasing Youth Participation in the Electoral Process
One of the primary goals is to increase youth participation in the electoral process through comprehensive voter registration drives, targeted voter education, and strategic mobilization efforts. By ensuring that youth are registered, informed, and motivated to vote, the foundation of a representative and inclusive political landscape is strengthened.
Fostering Partnerships for Peace and Security
Partnerships between youth leaders, civil society organizations, and various stakeholders are crucial for promoting peace and security. These partnerships create a collaborative environment dedicated to preventing electoral violence and promoting a peaceful electoral process. Platforms for dialogue, conflict resolution, and cooperative efforts are essential for achieving these goals.
Leveraging Technology and Social Media
In today's digital age, technology and social media are powerful tools for promoting peaceful elections. These platforms can counter misinformation, enhance transparency, and encourage civic engagement. By effectively using technology, a broader audience can be reached, real-time dialogue can be facilitated, and a culture of informed and peaceful participation can be fostered.
Promoting Inclusivity and Diversity
A thriving democracy is inclusive and diverse. Engaging youth from different backgrounds, political affiliations, and geographic locations is essential for ensuring that all voices are heard and perspectives considered. Promoting inclusivity and diversity enriches the democratic fabric of society.
Supporting Economic Empowerment
Economic empowerment is crucial in reducing the vulnerability of youth to manipulation by political actors. Supporting initiatives that provide economic opportunities for youth empowers them to make independent and informed decisions. Economic stability contributes to overall societal stability, which is essential for a peaceful electoral process.
Ensuring Sustained Engagement and Support
Commitment to youth leaders must extend beyond the election period. Sustained engagement and support are vital for fostering a culture of peace and security. This ensures that youth remain active participants in the democratic process and continue to contribute positively to the development and stability of the region.
The IGAD Youth Dialogue capacity-building symposium at Makerere University in Kampala is a significant step towards empowering youth leaders with the skills and knowledge needed for ensuring peaceful, secure, and fair elections during the 2025–2026 national elections. Organized in close collaboration with the Republic of Uganda Electoral Commission and the National Youth Council, this event reaffirms IGAD's dedication to empowering youth leaders and safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process.
Counsel Innocent Ndahiriwe, representing the IGAD Head of Mission to the Republic of Uganda, emphasized IGAD's ongoing commitment to engaging youth through the office of the IGAD Youth Envoy. IGAD will continue to support such dialogues and forums at both the regional and Member State levels, building a future where youth are not only participants but also leaders and architects of a peaceful, secure, and prosperous IGAD region.
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