BY JUMA ALI
In an effort to promote peace and reduce political violence among the youth, the Uganda Parliamentary Forum on Youth Affairs (UPFYA), in collaboration with the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (NIMD) and the International Republican Institute (IRI), will host a Inter-Party Youth Football Tournament on Saturday October 19, 2024 at City High School, Lugogo bypass..
The tournament aims to foster peaceful co-existence and discourage violent political participation, particularly as the country approaches the 2026 general elections.
At the launching ceremony held today, Thursday October 17 at Inter Parties Organization for Dialogue (IPOD) headquarters, Ntinda, 10 teams from different political parties have confirmed their participation in Saturday football gala, these include: NRM, DP, UPC, JEEMA, ANT, FDC, UNSA, NYC, IYOP, MYF, PPP and NUP who are not member of IPOD.
Additionally, youth groups such as the Uganda National Students Association (UNSA) and the National Youth Council (NYC) will also participate. The event seeks to bring these groups together in a spirit of peaceful competition and mutual respect.
Osborn Turyasingura, Coordinator of UPFYA, said these sentiments, explaining that the tournament is an important step toward shifting youth attitudes towards peaceful political expression. “This initiative will foster dialogue, democratic processes, and unity among youth leaders from diverse political affiliations,” Turyasingura said.
Primus Bahiigi, the NIMD country director justifies the rationale of the activity ,stating that “this engagement will promote a message of non violence during upcoming 2026 elections and challenge young leaders in political parties not to plan or participate in electoral”.
State minister for sports, Peter Ogwang is expected to be the guest of honour and the games will kick off at 8am with a 7 a side team and every team is required to have a female player in the squad.
The winners will be awarded with various prizes and lots of eats and drinks will be available.
According to the just released UBOS census report , 22.3%of Uganda’s population are Youths between the ages of 18-30 years , this segment of the population has been used to perpetuate violence and intolerance in political parties, especially during elections.
