Youth Council Elections in Mukono Marred by Violence and Political Interference

Tensions flared during the Mukono District youth council elections as clashes between rival political factions disrupted voting in several areas. The electoral exercise, meant to select grassroots youth representatives, turned chaotic with reports of intimidation and violence across multiple villages.  

Police forces deployed in large numbers to restore order after incidents erupted in hotspots including Mukono Industrial Area and Mulago Village. Authorities confirmed arresting several individuals allegedly transporting campaign materials in vehicles marked with NRM symbols, while opposition supporters reported being blocked from accessing polling stations.  

An Electoral Commission official acknowledged the politicisation of the process, stating that what should have been a nonpartisan youth exercise had become a proxy battleground for competing political interests. The clashes reflect the deepening rivalry between NRM and NUP factions in Central Uganda, with youth elections increasingly seen as strategic platforms ahead of the 2026 general polls.  

The disturbances highlight growing concerns about the vulnerability of local electoral processes to national political tensions and the challenges of maintaining peaceful youth participation in democratic exercises. Security forces remain on high alert as vote counting continues under tight supervision, with the outcomes expected to influence upcoming local council elections.  

Why this matters: The violent disruptions underscore how national political rivalries are spilling over into local youth elections, threatening meaningful youth representation and setting concerning precedents for future electoral processes. The incidents also test the capacity of security forces to protect democratic exercises at the grassroots level while maintaining political neutrality.  

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as they work to complete the electoral process and investigate reported irregularities. The aftermath of these elections will likely shape political strategies and youth engagement approaches in the region moving forward.