Calls for Heightened Civic Education as Uganda Navigates Constitutional and Electoral Reforms
In a compelling plea, Professor Suzie Mulwana, the Executive Director of the Julius Nyerere Leadership Center, has urged the government and stakeholders to intensify civic education initiatives to inform citizens about the proposed constitutional and electoral reforms. Professor Mulwana emphasizes the critical need for increased awareness among Ugandans, especially in light of the forthcoming 2026 general elections.
While politicians and civil society organizations fervently champion reforms, Professor Mulwana points out a significant gap in knowledge among the general populace regarding the specifics of the proposed changes. She notes that the positions outlined in the position paper, authored by civil society groups and politicians, may not accurately represent the sentiments of the majority of Ugandans. In particular, she highlights the lack of awareness among the youth, who now constitute the largest voting bloc in the nation.
“Many Ugandans lack awareness about the proposed changes, and this is particularly true for the youth, who make up a substantial portion of our electorate. We must bridge this information gap to ensure that citizens, especially the youth, are well-informed and actively engaged in shaping the future of our nation,” emphasizes Professor Mulwana.
Underscoring the significance of civic education, Professor Mulwana stresses the role it plays in empowering young people to form informed opinions and actively participate in the electoral process. She believes that an informed citizenry is essential for the success of any democratic society, and as such, efforts should be directed towards providing accessible and comprehensive information about the proposed reforms.
Furthermore, Professor Mulwana issues a reminder to political parties about their crucial role in upholding the integrity of the electoral process. Emphasizing the importance of free, fair, and credible elections, she calls on political leaders to prioritize their responsibility in ensuring a transparent and inclusive democratic exercise.
As Uganda stands at the crossroads of constitutional and electoral reforms, Professor Suzie Mulwana’s impassioned plea for increased civic education serves as a rallying call for stakeholders and the government to prioritize informing the public, particularly the youth, and fostering an environment where every citizen can actively contribute to shaping the future of the nation.