By Sekaggya Seka Moses
Mubende, Uganda – Sylvia Namutyaba Mukiibi, the National Unity Platform (NUP) youth secretary for the central region, has called upon youths to take an active role in politics and contest for various positions in the upcoming elections.
Speaking at the NUP Mubende office, Namutyaba urged youths to believe in themselves and their ability to bring about change. She cited the example of the Kawempe North By-Elections, where NUP candidate Elias Luyimbazi Nalukoola emerged victorious despite violence perpetrated by security agents.
Namutyaba emphasized that the youth demographic makes up a significant portion of the population and has the power to shape the country’s future.
“Believe me, Museveni is in his evening hours,” she said. “He created elections and has been ruling this country for almost 29 years because of the elections, which we all know have never been fair.”
However, Namutyaba expressed optimism that the youth can bring about change through the electoral process.
“But our party president, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, encouraged us to go through these elections and win Museveni in his own game,” she said.
“Now, trust me, Museveni fears his own method of elections, which he brought to keep him in power, because people were briefed, and wherever there are elections, they come and vote in large numbers.”
Namutyaba also urged youths to contest for positions such as youth councilors, which ultimately elect the youth members of parliament.
“Don’t fear, rather believe in yourself that we can,” she said. “Put yourself forward for every position you see that you can serve your community.”
In Uganda, youth members of parliament are elected through a unique process.
The country is divided into four regions, and each region elects one youth MP.
Additionally, there’s a national female youth MP and a national male youth MP, making a total of five youth MPs.
The electoral college for youth MPs consists of members of the district youth councils, the five executives of each county, and two delegates (male and female) from each sub-county.
This system of voting was introduced in Uganda in 1993, with the aim of increasing youth participation in the electoral process.
Namutyaba’s remarks were made during a visit to Mubende district, where she was invited by the chairperson of NUP Mubende, Kyeyune Pafuladiito Bazirondere the aspiring LC5 Mubende district 2026-2031 term.
The visit aimed to mobilize NUP leaders in the district to support youths in the upcoming youth council elections, which are slated to take place in June this year, although the final dates are yet to be confirmed.
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