With the general election approaching, Uganda’s young voters have emerged as a central force that could influence both turnout and the tone of the campaign. Researcher Nestor Basemera, PhD, in an opinion piece for Watchdog Uganda, argues that this generation has a rare opportunity to reject the long-standing association between youth and pre- and post-election violence and to assert itself as a constructive political actor.
Uganda youth engagement: what the numbers say
Recent data point to significant interest among younger voters. An Afrobarometer pre-election survey and government figures (MGLS, 2023) show that 65% of Ugandans aged 18–25 and 86% of those aged 26–35 have registered to vote. Such registration rates suggest that millions of young people are preparing to participate in the electoral process and could determine the election’s outcome if that interest converts into turnout on 15 January.
Basemera highlights several obstacles that continue to shape young lives, including unemployment, gaps between education and market demand, child marriage, sexual abuse, substance misuse and mental health challenges. Still, he and others say these problems have not entirely dampened civic enthusiasm; instead, they are driving youth involvement in activism, voter education and community mobilisation efforts.
Civil society organisations and government programmes have contributed to the uptick in political engagement. Initiatives such as Gen Z Activism, the Uganda Youth and Adolescents Health Forum, and various capacity building programmes have worked to inform young people about their rights and responsibilities, and to encourage participation through lawful and peaceful means.
Turning registration into influence
Analysts caution that registration alone is not decisive. The real test will be turnout on voting day and the ability of young people to sustain engagement beyond the ballot. Basemera urges caution against viewing the election as a zero-sum game and calls for channels that allow young people to enter governance and policymaking on merit.
Aligning national efforts with continental frameworks may help. Agenda 2063’s Aspiration 6 and the African Youth Charter both stress the role of youth in peace, security and development. Basemera says the 2026–2031 National Youth Manifesto, which runs alongside Uganda’s fourth National Development Plan, offers a window to institutionalise youth participation and prioritise policies that address employment, education reform and technological skills.
Experts note that youth participation can have economic as well as political effects. Beyond elections, young Ugandans are well placed to accelerate adoption of digital commerce, governance innovations and emerging technologies such as robotics, if the right investments in skills and infrastructure are made.
Basemera and other advocates stress the need for comprehensive civic education programmes to ensure meaningful participation. Such programmes should promote peaceful conduct, clarify legal mechanisms for political involvement and encourage sustained public service rather than short-term partisan mobilisation.
As 15 January approaches, the country will watch whether registration figures translate into active turnout and whether the youth live up to calls to keep the vote peaceful. For many observers, the broader question is whether this electoral cycle will open permanent doors for youth at decision-making tables, helping to anchor Uganda’s progress within wider continental goals under Agenda 2063.
Opinion by Nestor Basemera, PhD. Contact: basemeranestor3@gmail.com
Key Takeaways:
- High registration rates signal growing political interest among young Ugandans; 65% of 18–25 and 86% of 26–35 have registered (MGLS, 2023).
- Uganda youth engagement is framed as a chance to reject political violence and pursue peaceful, merit-based participation.
- Calls for stronger civic education and alignment with Agenda 2063 and the African Youth Charter to empower youth beyond the ballot box.
- Voting day on 15 January will test whether registration translates into turnout and sustained political influence.
