By Ben Musanje
In a powerful and urgent call for action, the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), together with UNICEF Uganda, the National Initiative for Civic Education in Uganda (NICE Uganda), and the Uganda Child Rights NGO Network (UCRNN), has demanded the immediate removal of children from all political activities during the ongoing electoral period in Uganda.
The statement, which was read by Lamex Apitta Omara, a Commissioner at UHRC representing the Commission Chairperson, was made at a joint media briefing held at the Uganda Human Rights Commission headquarters in Kampala.
The briefing was attended by a diverse group of stakeholders, including political leaders, civil society organizations, and the media, all united in their shared goal of protecting children’s rights during the 2026 general elections.
Children Must Be Kept Out of Political Spaces
Opening the briefing, Commissioner Lamex Apitta Omara addressed the gathered media and invited stakeholders, noting the importance of safeguarding the well-being and rights of children in the context of the electoral process.
“At this moment in time, as Uganda goes through a pivotal electoral period, the Uganda Human Rights Commission, together with NICE Uganda, the Uganda Child Rights NGO Network, and UNICEF Uganda, have come together to call on all political actors, the media, parents, and the public to prioritize the protection and promotion of children’s rights during the 2026 general election season,” Omara stated.
He emphasized that children should be kept out of political spaces and be protected from any form of harm or exploitation that might arise during election campaigns.
“Elections are a cornerstone of democracy, but they must never come at the expense of the safety, dignity, and well-being of Uganda’s children. Children must be safe during this electoral period, and their rights should not be compromised.”
Omara, representing the UHRC Chairperson Mariam Wangadya, who was unable to attend due to prior commitments, reminded the public that the participation of children in election-related activities, including rallies, campaigns and political advertisements, is a violation of their rights.
Such involvement, he noted, exposes children to physical and psychological harm, as well as to exploitation, particularly when used for political purposes.
The Duty of All Stakeholders to Protect Children
The media briefing also included messages from other key stakeholders, starting with Andrew Lubega, Team Leader at NICE –Uganda who represented Joseph Biribonwa, Chairperson of NICE Uganda. Lubega echoed the call for collective responsibility in protecting children’s rights during the election period.
“It is the duty of all parents, caregivers, teachers, religious and cultural leaders, political actors, and the media to ensure that children are safe during this electoral period,” he said. “Protecting children from harm and exploitation is a shared responsibility. We cannot allow them to be caught in the crossfire of partisan politics or exposed to any forms of violence or manipulation.”
The Uganda Child Rights NGO Network (UCRNN) Executive Director, Damon Wamara, also stressed the importance of preventing violence against children during the election period. “We have seen in past elections that children are often exposed to violence, particularly when political tensions rise,” Wamara explained. “When children are used as political tools, either as campaign agents or as spectators in rallies, they become targets of exploitation and psychological harm. It’s crucial that we protect them and ensure their safety, dignity, and rights are upheld.”
Wamara also pointed to the risks that children face when exposed to politically charged environments, such as political rallies or violent demonstrations. “In some cases, children are taken from their homes in rural areas to participate in rallies, only to be abandoned afterward. This creates risks for their safety and well-being, especially in the chaotic aftermath of campaign events,” he said. “These risks must be mitigated.”
Children Rights Advocators Urged to Commit to Child-Friendly Campaigns
The joint statement also called upon political parties and candidates to prioritize children’s issues in their campaigns and manifestos. The organizations urged that political campaigns should be child-friendly and that politicians should ensure that their actions and messages reflect the best interests of the country’s young population.
In line with these calls, UNICEF Uganda and the Uganda Child Rights NGO Network unveiled guiding materials inspired by the Children’s Manifesto.
These documents, developed with input from child rights organizations, urge political parties to adopt policies that address issues such as teenage pregnancies, malnutrition, access to early childhood education, and protection against violence. “We have shared these documents with political parties, and we urge them to incorporate child rights into their campaign strategies,” Omara explained.
Dr. Robin Nandy, UNICEF’s Country Representative, reinforced the need to put children’s welfare at the heart of Uganda’s electoral process.
“UNICEF, as the global custodian of children’s rights, is fully committed to working with the Government of Uganda, the Uganda Human Rights Commission, and civil society organizations to protect children’s rights before, during, and after the elections. The protection of children is not just a political issue—it’s a human rights issue,” Dr. Nandy stated.
The Importance of Investment in Children’s Welfare
Dr. Nandy also referred to the 1989 Convention on the Rights of the Child, which Uganda ratified in 1990, as a legal framework guiding the country’s commitment to ensuring children’s well-being.
“The Convention on the Rights of the Child is clear children’s rights must be prioritized in every aspect of public policy, including during elections,” he said. “As we look ahead to the 2026 elections, we must ask ourselves: Are we operating in the best interests of the child?”
The UNICEF representative also highlighted several key areas where the government and society must invest in children’s welfare to meet national goals.
These include improving access to quality education, addressing malnutrition, reducing teenage pregnancies, ensuring birth registration, and protecting children from violence, abuse, and exploitation.
“The children of Uganda make up a significant portion of the population. Without proper investment in their welfare, we cannot achieve the targets set out in the National Development Plan (NDP4) and Vision 2040,” Dr. Nandy continued. “It is essential that we prioritize the most vulnerable children, who are often the hardest to reach and most at risk.”
A Shared Responsibility for Child Protection
Andrew Lubega, representing NICE Uganda, concluded the remarks by reiterating the concept of “shared responsibility.” Lubega reminded all Ugandans that protecting children during this election period is not just the responsibility of one group or organization, it is a collective duty. “We cannot afford to say this is someone else’s responsibility. We all have a role to play in ensuring that children are not exposed to harm during these times of heightened political tension,” he stated.
Lubega also called on the press to play a crucial role in amplifying the message of child protection, noting that media outlets are instrumental in educating the public about the importance of keeping children out of partisan political activities.
“We ask the press to help spread the message that children should avoid being involved in political campaigns and activities. They should stay at home or in school, where they are safe.”
Urgent Call for Action
The joint statement concluded with a strong call for swift action and accountability. The organizations urged political parties to ensure their campaigns are safe for children and that their policies reflect the needs of the country’s young population.
They also reminded the public that child protection is a shared responsibility and that everyone parents, teachers, political leaders, and the media must work together to ensure that children are not harmed during this election period.
The Uganda Human Rights Commission, UNICEF, and their partners have also developed practical “do’s and don’ts” for the general public, including parents, children, politicians, and the media. These materials are being widely disseminated through various channels, including social media, mass media, and public events.
As Uganda prepares for the 2026 elections, the collective message is clear: the safety, dignity, and rights of children must be safeguarded above all else. These organizations have vowed to continue working together to protect children and ensure their rights are respected throughout the electoral process and beyond. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
