By Richard Okello Lukiko, NCF Interim Executive Director
Email: ed@nwoyacharity.org
As Uganda inches closer to its next general elections, there is growing concern over the low levels of civic awareness and political engagement among young people, particularly in the northern regions. In districts like Nwoya, Gulu, Pader, and Amuru—where the youth population makes up over 70% of the demographic—their voices are vital to shaping a future of accountable, inclusive governance. Yet, many youths remain uninformed, disillusioned, or excluded from meaningful political participation.
To build a strong, participatory democracy, we must urgently prioritize civic education and youth involvement in the electoral process—not just as voters, but as active citizens, advocates, and leaders.
Why Civic Education Matters?
Civic education is not simply about voting. It is about knowing your rights, understanding your responsibilities, and engaging constructively in democratic life. In post-conflict regions like Northern Uganda, where governance systems were once disrupted by war and displacement, restoring trust in civic institutions starts with empowering citizens through knowledge. Unfortunately, many young people in Northern Uganda have never received formal civic education. They may not fully understand how local governments work, how policies are made, or even the importance of voting. This knowledge gap leaves them vulnerable to voter manipulation, political apathy, and exclusion from decisions that affect their lives.
Barriers to Youth participation in elections
Despite being the majority, Northern Uganda’s youth face several barriers that limit their political participation:
- Lack of awareness and information
Many young people are unaware of their civic rights and responsibilities, including how to register to vote, how to evaluate candidates, or how to peacefully engage in political debate. - Disillusionment with leadership
Corruption, unfulfilled promises, and weak service delivery have created a deep sense of mistrust toward politicians and government institutions. - Economic vulnerability
Unemployment and poverty push many youths into political patronage, where they are used for crowd numbers or campaign violence in exchange for money or favors. - Cultural and Gender Norms
Young women, in particular, are often discouraged from engaging in political spaces due to traditional gender roles and fear of public criticism.
The case for Youth involvement
The 2026 elections present an opportunity to harness the energy, innovation, and aspirations of Uganda’s youth. Their participation can:
- Enhance accountability, as youth are more likely to demand transparency and service delivery.
- Shape inclusive policies that reflect the realities of young people, especially in areas like education, health, and employment.
- Prevent election-related violence by promoting peaceful civic engagement over political manipulation.
- Build future leaders who are grounded in community values and public service.
What Needs to Be Done?
To unlock this potential, we must take deliberate actions to foster civic consciousness and empower youth participation:
- Integrate civic education in schools and youth programs: Civic lessons should be part of secondary school and vocational training curricula, covering topics like voting rights, governance structures, the constitution, and peaceful political engagement.
- Use media and technology to reach youth: Radio talk shows, social media campaigns, and mobile platforms can be powerful tools to disseminate civic information in local languages and youth-friendly formats.
- Support Youth-Led civic engagement initiatives: Fund and mentor youth organizations that organize debates, community dialogues, voter education drives, and election monitoring.
- Engage religious and cultural leaders: Partnering with trusted community figures can help shift cultural norms that discourage youth—especially girls—from public participation.
- Ensure accessible voter registration and polling stations: The Electoral Commission must prioritize youth-friendly voter registration processes and ensure polling stations are accessible to rural youth.
A call to action
If young people in Northern Uganda are to be more than political spectators or pawns, we must invest in sustained civic education and meaningful inclusion. Civic empowerment is not a one-time activity during campaign seasons; it is a lifelong foundation for democratic society.
As we prepare for the next elections, let’s remember: the future of Uganda lies in the hands of its youth—not just their votes, but their voices, their values, and their vision for a better nation.
“Let us teach them not just how to vote—but why it matters”
NCF Request for Funding Statement: Civic Education and Youth Involvement
NCF is seeking financial support to implement a civic education and youth engagement initiative aimed at empowering young people in Nwoya District to actively participate in Uganda’s democratic processes ahead of the upcoming elections.
Northern Uganda has one of the youngest populations in the country, yet thousands of youths remain disengaged from civic life due to limited access to civic education, lack of trust in public institutions, and political marginalization. Without proper knowledge and tools, many youths are vulnerable to misinformation, voter apathy, or exploitation during campaign seasons.
NCF proposes a 12-month civic empowerment project targeting youth aged 15–30 through community dialogues, school-based civic clubs, voter education outreach, and leadership training. The project aims to reach at least 5,000 youth across rural and peri-urban communities in Northern District.
We are requesting $20,000 to support the delivery of civic education materials, training of peer educators, coordination of town-hall forums, and production of radio content in local languages. This initiative will build informed, confident, and responsible youth leaders who can contribute meaningfully to peacebuilding, accountability, and good governance.
By investing in civic education today, we are nurturing a generation that will shape Uganda’s tomorrow.
📧 Email: info@nwoyacharity.org
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