Youth from the West Nile region have launched a renewed call for a minimum of 20% representation in local government, citing longstanding marginalization in decision-making structures despite being the majority of Uganda’s population.
They argue that although young people constitute 73% of Uganda’s population and make up around 22 million of the registered voters, they continue to be significantly sidelined in national and local governance.
Currently, youth only hold 0.9% of the seats in Uganda’s Parliament—just five of the 529 MPs.
At the local government level, structures from LC II upwards only permit the election of two youth councillors per council, and these often wield limited influence within mainstream political parties.
Savior Rwothomio Kakunda, the Youth Councillor for Nebbi District, lamented what he called systemic exclusion of youth voices from LC I structures up to the district level.
In Koboko District, Gift Peter criticized the electoral college system used for electing National Youth MPs, saying it fosters financial exploitation and political co-option.
He stated, “The current system forces aspirants to spend excessively on campaigns, which not only discourages competent candidates but also leads to co-option, undermining effective service delivery.”
Marvis Atyeronimungu from Zombo District expressed concern that youth leaders are often confined to lower-level positions.
She said, “Most youth leaders serve only at the village level, and those who claim to represent youth at the national level often do not understand the realities of underprivileged young people.”
Raheem Siyasa in Yumbe District decried the exclusion of youth from crucial budget planning processes.
He noted, “Exclusion from local government budget conferences limits our ability to influence planning and implementation of youth-related programs.”
In Pakwach District, Emmanuel Uvuru, Deputy Speaker of Pokwero Sub-county, raised another internal challenge.
He said, “Some youth chairpersons neglect their responsibilities, leaving youth councillors overburdened.” He recommended formal induction training to improve their grasp of governance.
However, not all voices point solely to systemic barriers.
James Uyullu, the LC5 Chairperson of Zombo District, placed part of the blame on the youth themselves.
He stated, “Low youth representation is also due to limited interest in leadership and government programs.”
He encouraged young people to take initiative, respect leadership, and actively participate in community development as a way to build leadership experience.
Ronald Ofoyrwoth, Executive Director of the Nebbi NGO Forum, supported the youth’s appeal.
He observed, “While women have a 30% quota in political representation, youth are left far behind.”
Patrick Ulwor, Senior Community Development Officer for Pakwach District, advised young people to be proactive in early-stage governance.
He emphasized, “Youth must get involved early in the planning and budgeting processes to ensure their priorities are reflected at the national level.”
With general elections on the horizon, West Nile’s youth are intensifying their campaign, hopeful that their growing visibility and advocacy will spark structural reforms and grant them a meaningful role in shaping Uganda’s future.
