With just four months left to the 2026 General Election, a group of youths from the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) has started a peace campaign aimed at discouraging violence during the polls.
The youths, who are organized under the umbrella body “Gen Z for Gen 7”, addressed journalists in Kampala on Tuesday, September 16, where they sent a strong message to politicians: stop using young people for violence.
The group’s National Coordinator, Israel Kyarisiima, stressed that Uganda’s stability must come first.
“Without peace, there is no business. Without stability, there is no service delivery. Without security, there is no future. Unfortunately, we have seen that some opposition actors seek to exploit young people for selfish political gains,” Kyarisiima said.
He went on to explain that Uganda’s young generation benefits from peace and will not allow itself to be dragged into chaos.
“Without peace, there is no hustle. Our generation survives and prospers because Uganda is stable. Those promoting sectarianism and violent politics are not just threatening the elections; they are threatening our jobs, our creativity, and our future,” he added.
The campaign is part of wider efforts by the group to protect stability and unity ahead of the elections. Members say their focus is on encouraging youth entrepreneurship, innovation, and participation in national development, instead of being used as tools for chaos by selfish politicians.
Observers note that youth involvement in Uganda’s politics has always been a hot issue, with different political camps trying to mobilize young people during election season. By taking a stand, “Gen Z for Gen 7” is positioning itself as a voice for peace and stability, reminding fellow youth that violence only destroys opportunities for the future.
The group concluded by calling on security agencies to act firmly against anyone trying to incite chaos and urged all young Ugandans to put their energy into building, not breaking, the country.
