The 2001, including the two previous multi-party elections in 2006 and 2011 are testimonies that Uganda has a long way in preventing pre and post-election violence, nurturing the young democracy and building the confidence of the local people especially the youth in democratic practices.
Uganda population was projected at 34.1 million people as of December 2012 with youth alone (15-30yrs) accounting for 27% (9.2 million people). This population trend has proven significant over the two previous election periods with youth accounting for over 60% eligible voters.
Research shows the frequency of political and electoral violence is closely related to the level of democracy in a country. The more democratic a country is, the less likely citizens will be exposed to electoral violence. If the electoral process is not managed professionally and impartially by a trusted institution, the risks associated with organizing elections increase drastically. Unfortunately, history has shown that, discredited electoral commissions are incapable of managing a competitive electoral environment, and often find themselves at the core of controversy resulting into pre and post election violence.
It’s against this background that African Youth Peace Initiative (AYPI) are intervening with a critical strategy, setting in motion a long term process that seeks to impact on national security and stability by enhancing the role of the youth in the electoral process in a bid to promote a preventive approach towards pre and post election violence while ensuring peaceful participation of the youth in democratic and governance processes at all levels in Uganda.
