Children and their Rights need to be protected and promoted during Uganda’s election process

KAMPALA, UGANDA – 8 December 2025 –As Uganda goes through a pivotal election period, the National Initiative for Civic Education in Uganda (NICE-UG), the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), Uganda Child Rights NGO Network (UCRNN),  and UNICEF Uganda call on all political actors, the media, parents, and the public to prioritize the protection and promotion of child rights during the 2026 election season in Uganda.

The national and international child rights protection institutions are highlighting that children must be kept out of political spaces and protected from harm. The four institutions are reminding Ugandans that elections are a cornerstone of democracy and a key moment to prioritize the well-being of children and the fulfilment of the right of every child in Uganda. Elections cannot come at the expense of the safety, dignity, and well-being of Uganda’s children.

‘Protecting children from harm and exploitation is not optional. It is a shared responsibility. It is the duty of all parents and caregivers, teachers, religious, cultural, and political leaders, and the media fraternity to ensure that children are protected during elections’, said Mr. Joseph Biribonwa, Chairperson, National Initiative for Civic Education in Uganda.

The participation of children in rallies and campaign activities is a violation of their right to protection that exposes them to physical and psychological harm. Involving children in political advertising is child exploitation and violates children’s right to privacy and safety. The human rights and child protection actors are calling upon all stakeholders to respect and uphold the rights of every child before, during, and after the election process, and are appealing to the general public to report any child rights violations through established helplines and reporting mechanisms.

‘More than half of all Ugandan citizens are children. Investing in children, listening to their voices and promoting their rights needs to be a priority during these elections,’ said Mr. Damon Wamara, Executive Director of Uganda Child Rights NGO Network.

Political parties and candidates are urged to commit to child-friendly policies and practices, ensuring that their campaigns and political programmes reflect the best interests of children. To support their appeal for a child-friendly campaign and policies, the child rights organizations developed, inspired by the manifesto that Ugandan children produced under the guidance of the Uganda Child Rights NGO Network, a guiding document for political parties and candidates who are competing during the 2026 general elections. The document calls on politicians to prioritize child rights issues during the campaign and in their political programmes, and to commit to concrete actions to tackle teenage pregnancies, fight malnutrition, promote access to early childhood education and protect children against violence, among others.

This document was shared recently with the political parties. Political parties and candidates are invited to be inspired by the document as they canvass for votes and to commit to holding child-friendly campaigns.

Hon. Mariam Wangadya, the Chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission, stressed: ‘We urge all political actors, media, parents, and the public to protect children’s rights during the election period. Let us not allow this election to compromise the safety and well-being of our children.’ ’

To ensure the rights of children are respected during the election period, the child rights partners developed a set of practical DOs and DONTs for the general public as well as for children, parents, politicians and the media. The DOs and DONTs - including printed flyers - are being widely disseminated through social media platforms and mass media partners, and at events.     

‘UNICEF remains dedicated to working with the Government of Uganda and alongside all partners, including cultural, faith-based and civil society organisations, to protect and promote children’s rights, ensuring their safety and well-being across the country during and after the election period,’ said Dr Robin Nandy, UNICEF Country Representative.

Experience from previous elections in Uganda and the region has shown that children face heightened risks during election periods, including exposure to violence, exploitation, and disruption of essential services. Through strengthened coordination, the development and dissemination of advocacy materials, strong reporting and mitigation initiatives, the child rights organizations aim to ensure children’s rights are upheld throughout the electoral process.

About UNICEF

UNICEF promotes the rights and wellbeing of every child, in everything we do. Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere.

For more information about UNICEF and its work for children, visit www.unicef.org/uganda