Political leaders, civil society, and professionals urged calm in the ongoing electioneering to ensure a violence-free election in January 2026.
Sheikh Musa Khalil, the Regional Assistant to the Mufti in Northern Uganda, has called on electoral stakeholders to uphold transparency and allow all political actors to freely compete in the 2026 general elections.
Speaking on Thursday during a dialogue organized by Uganda Radio Network (URN) under the Media Support for Public Accountability and Civic Engagement in Uganda project (M-SPACE) in Gulu City, Sheikh Khalil emphasized that fair competition and unrestricted campaigning are essential to building trust in the electoral process.
He stressed that every political participant must be granted the freedom to present their ideas without intimidation or undue restrictions.
“As a religious leader, I feel transparency is highly needed, that respect of giving freedom to all contestants to participate freely, and for all aspirants to be given their human right to participate,” he said.
Sheikh Khalil added that Uganda’s stability and future must be protected through a peaceful election process. He appealed to all political leaders to embrace tolerance as the country heads toward the polls.
“I humbly appeal to all political leaders to make sure they are tolerant and that they must really see that the future of Uganda is without violence,” he said.
The dialogue, held under the theme “Managing Tensions and Promoting Dialogue Among Parties in the Elections,” brought together political leaders, civil society actors, the media, and community representatives. Participants discussed ways to mitigate election-related conflicts, explored the underlying causes of electoral tensions, and identified strategies to promote peaceful participation.
Gulu City Woman MP Betty Aol Ocan of the opposition People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) decried what she described as the continued mistreatment of opposition parties by the state. She said opposition members are often unfairly branded as enemies, which undermines their constitutional rights and the principles of democracy.
“I deserve to be respected, I deserve to have my dignity. Sometimes we are reduced to nothing, as if we are not Ugandans. Some people don’t know that these resources in use should be accessible to all of us,” Aol said.
She called on the government to ensure equitable access to public resources, adding that good governance should benefit all citizens, regardless of political affiliation.
Lt. Col. Hassan Kalungi, the Fourth Infantry Division Political Commissar, outlined two major triggers of election-related violence in the region. He cited inadequate civic education provided by the Electoral Commission, noting that limited information leaves voters ill-prepared to fully exercise their political rights.
He also pointed to conflicts among politicians, often arising from a lack of harmonization and dialogue, and urged candidates to embrace dialogue to avoid destructive competition.
During the discussion, media practitioners called for greater professionalism among journalists and talk show hosts, particularly regarding information broadcast on radio stations.
Nelson Obol, Station Manager of Choice FM in Gulu City, warned that airing unchecked and inflammatory political messages can inflame tensions within communities.
“There are times when radios allow people to air messages that are not censored, and some of these messages carry sectarianism and nepotism, which brings conflicts,” Obol said.
Mega FM Station Manager Irene Atek called for more refresher training and gender inclusivity in election reporting to enhance accuracy and confidence among journalists.
At least 25 media practitioners, including radio presenters, talk show hosts, editors, and reporters, completed a three-day intensive training on conflict-sensitive journalism from Monday to Wednesday. Participants were drawn from Gulu City, Pader, Nwoya, Lamwo, Omoro, Amuru, Gulu, and Agago districts.
Uganda’s electoral campaigns officially kicked off early last month. Presidential and parliamentary elections are scheduled for January 15, 2026, according to the Electoral Commission.
Eight presidential candidates are vying for the country’s top office. They are incumbent President Yoweri Museveni (NRM), Robert Ssentamu Kyagulanyi (NUP), Nathan Nandala Mafabi (FDC), and Gen Gregory Mugisha Muntu (ANT). Others are Mubarak Munyagwa (CMP) and Frank Bulira (RPP).
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