“They end up recruiting our youth into unlawful acts, acts of violence, aggregate confrontations, insecurity, destroying property and so on. We need to encourage our youth to resist, to avoid being used as foot soldiers in these nefarious, wrong activities. It is our duty to counsel them, to tell them they are better than what people think.” Justice Byabakama noted.
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IRCU members welcoming the Chief Justice Simon Byabakama during their retreat at Mukono
The Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Justice Simon Byabakama, has called on religious leaders to help guide the youth in avoiding political exploitation. Speaking at the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda (IRCU) Governance Retreat at Collin Hotel in Mukono, Byabakama highlighted the challenges youth face, especially in the area of employment, which make them vulnerable to manipulation by politicians.
"Politicians take advantage of their vulnerabilities for their own benefits," Justice Byabakama said, adding that the youth often find themselves involved in unlawful acts, violence, and property destruction. "We need to encourage our youth to resist, to avoid being used as foot soldiers in these nefarious activities. It is our duty to counsel them, to tell them they are better than what people think."
He further emphasized the potential of youth, noting that they are energetic, resilient, and technologically savvy. “The youth are intelligent and capable. It’s hard to believe that they could be lured into something that offers no personal or tangible benefit,” Byabakama stated, urging them to assess the personal benefits of their actions. “Ask yourself, if I engage in this, what benefit will I derive from this process?”
Justice Byabakama noted that the country faces challenges, but these challenges are part of every nation’s journey. The key, he explained, is how the country navigates these obstacles in an atmosphere of peace. “If we remain on course and work through these challenges in peace, we will achieve social transformation,” he said. He further urged religious leaders to preach tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and harmonious living.
In response, Archbishop Samuel Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, the Chairperson of the IRCU, affirmed that youth should be allowed to fully participate in politics, as they are Ugandans. He urged the government to sensitize young people about their roles and encourage them to appreciate their importance in society. “In the previous elections, we met over 2,040 young people, sensitized them, and gave them skills. These are now useful individuals. We should involve them, help them gain skills, and employ those who have qualifications,” he said.
Retired Bishop Jackson Nzerebende Tembo raised concerns about the deployment of Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) officers at polling stations alongside police officers. Justice Byabakama clarified that the Electoral Commission works with the police, and the Constitution allows police to enlist other agencies for support when necessary. “The role of security is to create an enabling environment that allows voters to go to polling stations and cast their vote in peace,” he explained.
Justice Byabakama also addressed concerns about some faith leaders promoting messages that focus on leadership based on religious affiliation rather than the individual’s credentials. "Leadership should be about the values a person subscribes to and what they can offer for the common good. We must be cautious about propagating messages that could divide people based on religion,” he advised. The IRCU governance retreat, held from December 2-5 at Collin Hotel Mukono, is themed Shepherding National Peace, National Cohesion, and Development.
