Introduction: A generation ready for change
As Uganda marked another milestone in its political landscape, the demand for change among the country’s youth grew louder. After four decades of President Yoweri Museveni’s rule, a large portion of the population under 35 is pushing for a different path—one that emphasizes opportunity, accountability, and inclusive governance. This shift is not just a moment in time but a signal of how the country’s next generation envisions its economic and political future.
Why the youth feel left behind
Analysts note that while many Ugandans have benefited from stability and infrastructure projects over the years, young people face persistent unemployment, limited entrepreneurship access, and a sense that politics remains distant from everyday concerns. A majority of voters under 35 now view the Museveni era as a long chapter that should end with reforms, not just a continuation with cosmetic tweaks. The mood among the youth reflects a broader impatience with slow bureaucratic processes, high cost of living, and uneven regional development.
Election outcomes and the youth’s response
When the electoral commission announced the 2026 results, young Ugandans did not simply accept the outcome; they debated its implications for policy and governance. In social spaces and on the streets, there was a clear call for accountability, more transparent institutions, and concrete youth-focused programs. While many accepted the legitimacy of the process, the rhetoric centered on the need for substantive change that translates into jobs, better services, and meaningful political participation for young people.
What “change” means to young Ugandans
Change, for many youths, means practical reforms: improving the ease of starting a business, expanding access to capital for small enterprises, and building a faster digital economy that creates employment. It also means reforming education and training to align with modern labor markets, and ensuring that political voices—especially those of students, graduates, and young professionals—are heard in decision-making arenas. The sentiment is less about turning away from the past and more about shaping a future where the energy and creativity of youth drive national progress.
Economy and opportunity
Job creation remains a central pillar. Young Ugandans are calling for policies that support startups, innovation hubs, and skills development in technology, agriculture, and manufacturing. A thriving private sector, they argue, is the surest route to reducing unemployment and widening the tax base to fund essential services.
Governance and participation
Beyond economics, there is a push for greater political inclusivity. This includes fairer electoral processes, stronger anti-corruption measures, and spaces for youth voices in local and national governance. The goal is a more responsive government that can deliver tangible improvements while staying true to democratic norms.
Regional and international context
Uganda sits in a rapidly evolving region where youth movements and reform agendas are shaping national trajectories. The country’s young population is not unique in its impatience for change; many neighbors are experiencing similar calls for reform, which places Uganda at a pivotal moment in its political evolution. International partners watch closely, recognizing that stable growth depends on inclusive policies that empower the next generation.
What comes next?
For Uganda, the next steps involve translating the aspiration for change into actionable policies. It requires a concerted effort from government, civil society, and the private sector to build an enabling environment where young people can realize their potential. The path forward is not about negating the past but about integrating youth energy with institutional reforms to foster lasting development. As the country navigates this transition, the voices of its youth will likely shape both policy debates and the broader national narrative for years to come.
