KAMPALA – Different political stakeholders in Uganda gathered at the Sheraton Hotel in Kampala on Friday for the National Peace Pledge Summit where they inked a Peace Pledge, ahead of the country’s 2026 General Elections. The summit aimed to address escalating concerns about electoral violence and communal clashes, fueled by Uganda’s stark economic contrasts and history of electoral violence.
Hon. Beatrice Kiraso from the International Republican Institute (IRI) – the summit convinner emphasized that the peace pledge has been an ongoing process.
“Through the USAID Promoting Peace Activity, IRI addressed conflict and violence prevention management. In May, IRI commissioned a study, “Conflict Drivers in Uganda,” identifying key drivers.”
Some of the key violence drivers identified include; Political Transition Challenges, Democratic Backsliding with fraudulent elections and illiberal political environments.
Kiraso also highlighted the “Winner Takes All Electoral System” which she said disenfranchises parties that aren’t part of the winning coalition, advocating for proportional representation.
Other issues include economic disparities and unresolved historical grievances – simmering issues resurfacing during elections, including land conflicts, natural resource risks, youth unemployment, and lack of internal democratic party processes.
Notably, stakeholders point to the police, government, and NRM as primary perpetrators of violence. However, Kiraso underscored that can unknowingly contribute to violence through action or inaction.
The Promoting Peace Pledge seeks to prevent and mitigate political violence, enhance social cohesion among political and civil actors, facilitate dialogues among key stakeholders, unite diverse communities in a shared commitment to peace, provide a platform for dialogue among leaders, activists, and citizens, and inspire actionable initiatives promoting harmony and understanding
Dr. Joseph Sserwada of the Inter Religious Council of Uganda emphasized the significance of stakeholders committing to peaceful elections in 2026. By signing a social contract, he said stakeholders demonstrate political maturity and prioritize the country’s interests over their own.
“Historically, Ugandan elections have been marred by violence, including physical confrontations, insults, threats, manipulation, and bribery, resulting in physical injuries, mental anguish, loss of lives, and compromised national security. Such violence discourages voting and hinders democratization and peace.”
“To address these concerns, the Inter Religious Council of Uganda and other stakeholders must work together to promote peaceful elections and prevent violence,” he added.
He pledged on behalf of the Council to ensure peaceful elections in 2026 through monitoring stakeholders’ adherence to the peace pledge.
Dr. Lina Zedriga, Deputy President of the National Unity Platform in charge of Northern Uganda, stressed that peace and justice are intertwined.
“The US Department of State’s 2021 human rights report highlights gross violations that significantly impacted the 2021 general election results including freedom of expression suppression, arbitrary arrests, killings, rape, among others.”
She, added, “There are still missing persons, including my husband, due to political intolerance.” Dr. Zedriga stresses that peace requires concrete actions, not just words.
Dr. Sallie Simba Kayunga, Uganda Electoral Commission Commissioner, stressed the importance of a clean voter register, nomination, and participation rights.
“To ensure accuracy, the voter register will be displayed at polling stations for three weeks.” Kayunga emphasized, “A 100% clean voter register guarantees a respected electoral process.”
Prioritizing security, peace, and transparency, he noted that the Commission will demarcate electoral areas and polling stations, display polling stations and electoral areas, display the voter register for a month in January, ensure transparent nomination and voting processes, and allow candidates to freely campaign.
Kayunga stressed that security and peace are crucial for free and fair elections.
“We prioritize institutional mechanisms like the National Consultative Forum for peace and stability.”
Internal Affairs Minister Kahinda Otafiire emphasized the importance of unity and respect for diversity.
“We need to learn to coexist despite our differences,” he urges.
Otafiire calls for politicians to refrain from interfering with religious institutions, while encouraging religious leaders to stay within their bounds, yet actively participate in governance discussions as citizens.
He stressed the need to move beyond tribal, religious, and regional affiliations in conversations, focusing instead on merit and performance. For insistance, Otafiire doesn’t care about the Inspector General of Police’s or their deputies’ regional or religious backgrounds, as long as they deliver effective results.
Gen Otafire believes peace is a fundamental right, not something to be constantly discussed.
“If you want peace, stop causing trouble,” he asserts.
As Minister of Internal Affairs, Otafiire oversees ensuring law and order, peace, and stability in Uganda. His priorities align with the Ministry’s goal to guarantee internal security, citizen identification, protection, and preservation.
The National Peace Pledge was signed by:
- Religious Institutions
- Cultural Institutions
- Political Parties (NRM and NUP)
- Government Institutions
- Women Organizations/leaders
- Youth Organizations/leaders
- PWD Organizations
- Civil Society Organizations
- Professional bodies
This initiative aims to foster a culture of peace, tolerance, and understanding, leveraging existing structures and engaging diverse stakeholders.