UNAFRI TO TRAIN YOUTH AS PEACE AMBASSADORS AHEAD OF UGANDA’S 2026 GENERAL ELECTIONS

The United Nations African Institute for the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders (UNAFRI) will organize a one-day workshop aimed at transforming Ugandan youth into peace ambassadors ahead of the country’s 2026 general elections.

Scheduled to take place in Kampala on 16 September 2025, the workshop will gather 80 selected students and youth leaders from universities and tertiary institutions across Uganda. The initiative will be fully sponsored by UNAFRI and facilitated by representatives from the Independent Electoral Commission of Uganda, the Uganda Police, the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, the Uganda Human Rights Commission, and other relevant law enforcement agencies.

The training will focus on equipping the youth with knowledge and practical skills to prevent election violence and electoral crimes such as vote buying, ballot box snatching, intimidation, and the spread of false information. Participants will also receive coaching in conflict resolution, peace-building techniques, and the responsible use of social media during electoral periods.

The workshop aims to build a network of youth ambassadors who will promote democratic values, tolerance, and trustworthy electoral processes across Uganda. With young people aged 18–30 making up nearly 23% of the country's population, empowering them against manipulation and malpractice is essential for securing peaceful and fair elections.

UNAFRI hopes the initiative will decrease youth participation in electoral crimes and strengthen community resilience as the country readies itself for the 2026 elections. Attendance at the event will be by invitation only.