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The women from Three CSOs at the launch of the Civic Education Committees in Mbarara City on Monday
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Ugandan women activists from three different Civil Society Organizations (CSO'S) have launched committees to spearhead civic education in Ankole sub-region for peaceful elections ahead of the forthcoming 2026 polls.
The CSO's include; Indigenous Women Network (IWONET), and the Sexual Rights Defenders Network (SERIDNET) are led by the All in One Women’s Association (ALOWA) launched the committees at Hotel Triangle on Monday in Mbarara City.
The CSOs indicate that from previous experiences, many cases of electoral disputes and political violence were registered in the periods nearing to elections which they largely blamed on lack of civic education of the electorates.
Faith Nimusiima, the programs coordinator at All in One Women’s Association says that during their research on the incidents that occurred during the 2021 general elections, most violence was escalated by security forces who failed to maintain law and order.
She adds on to say that some political leaders are to blame for enticing violence during the electoral process noting that the Civic Education Committees for peaceful elections will provide alternative means of resolving political conflicts to have peaceful elections.
Mcbeth Komujuni Gaaju, the coordinator of the Sexual Rights Defenders Network (SERIDNET) notes that in the previous elections, Women never enjoyed free and fair elections because they were ordered by their husbands to vote for their men’s favorite candidates and when the contrary was done it erupted into fights at home.
She noted that this calls for sensitization and awareness of women of their rights to vote for candidates depending on their choice.
Ritah Nahumuza the Projector Director of All in One Women’s Network Association says that the civic education committees will be formed at District, Regional, Sub-regional, and national levels to mobilize all actors to address the issues that fuel political disputes and violence during the electoral process.
She says that the committees will also work towards changing people’s attitudes and emotions that often accelerate to political tensions.
Grace Nisiima the Project Coordinator of Indigenous Women Network (IWONET) says Women and youth who are the majority and hold the future of the country rarely participate in elections that are peaceful and free of violence and political disputes
She, however, challenged the youth to desist from violence associated with electioneering during the forthcoming 2026 general election.
She appealed to the Electoral Commission to strictly enforce the law and provide a level ground for all actors to participate in free and fair elections.
The Civic Education committees were launched as the Electoral Commission moves to demarcate Electoral Areas and reorganize the polling stations among other electoral activities.
