The U.S. Ambassador to Uganda, William W. Popp, has emphasized the necessity of a united approach among all Uganda’s political entities to ensure peace before, during, and after the upcoming general elections in 2026.
Speaking at the signing of a peace pledge by significant stakeholders in Uganda’s electoral process at the Sheraton Hotel in Kampala on October 25, 2024, Popp remarked that this could mark a historic day for both Uganda and its citizens.
“Coming together across political, social, cultural, religious, government, and civil society organizations to pledge to observe and support peace before, during, and after the 2026 general elections is vital in supporting the democratic process. I congratulate all of you demonstrating consensus and commitment to peace by being here and participating in this Summit,” he added.
Last month world leaders met at the United Nations in New York to adopt the Pact for the Future, a landmark declaration pledging concrete actions towards a safer, more peaceful, sustainable, and inclusive world for tomorrow’s generations.
“Around the world we are all working towards this vision. Here in Uganda strides have been made to recover from past conflict while continuing to work to build a prosperous, inclusive, and safe society for all citizens,” he added.
The Ambassador emphasized Uganda’s significant role both regionally and globally, stating that peace in Uganda also matters beyond its borders.
He highlighted that a united determination and dedication are essential for ensuring that Ugandan children can mature in a peaceful environment devoid of violence, where they are encouraged to dream and flourish in a society that values diversity and fosters collaboration.
“A society in which even when people disagree they can debate, find compromise, and build consensus through peaceful dialogue and processes. Unfortunately, violence has been a feature of political disagreement in Uganda in the past, including during election seasons. In many cases, this violence harms innocent citizens. Often, it disproportionately impacts women and youth,” Popp noted.
He emphasized that this issue extends beyond Uganda, noting that a recent baseline study conducted by the International Republican Institute reveals various political, social, economic, and cultural factors contributing to conflict globally, which can incite violence during election periods in any nation.
“Every day, we hear stories of violence, displacement, and suffering, across the world. In the United States we are also mindful of the importance of peaceful discourse,” he added.
He said the peace pledge by political actors in Uganda is a step in the right direction.
“It is a starting point in the journey for a peaceful and non-violent electoral process. I hope that it will be a guide for conduct before, during, and after Uganda’s upcoming elections.
He praised the National Consultative Forum, the 26 registered political parties, the Electoral Commission, the Uganda Human Rights Commission, security agencies, and religious and cultural institutions for their crucial contributions to the historic event.
“Your pledge today is the culmination of all these efforts and a testament to your commitment to support peace in Uganda. The United States as Uganda’s largest development partner sincerely hopes that this peace pledge will provide a platform for political and security actors to discuss and agree upon approaches to non-violence, and that eminent leaders and civic actors will help uphold these commitments,” he added.
“Of course, what matters most, is how you make what you have signed a reality,” he observed.
He emphasized that the peace pledge is not a legally enforceable document and must be integrated with other initiatives aimed at promoting dialogue and enhancing social unity.
He encouraged all stakeholders to align the pledge with their respective codes of conduct as political parties and organizations, as well as to uphold the rights, protections, and responsibilities outlined in the Ugandan Constitution.
He called on the parties to dedicate themselves to resolving differences through dialogue, peaceful discussions, and constructive communication.
“Where you can agree on establishing mechanisms for monitoring and evaluating compliance with this pledge, you can help ensure that it has a real and positive effect in preventing violence. I hope that everyone here today will leave this event with renewed energy and determination to advance peace through dialogue,” he added.
Popp said as a friend of Uganda, the United States will continue to support the peace efforts outlined in the pledge.
“We encourage all of you as stakeholders to ensure that the commitments in the peace pledge are implemented,” he noted.
He commended the International Republican Institute for their exceptional technical and organizational contributions, as well as all Ugandan government institutions that participated in this initiative. He also recognized the dedication of political parties, civil society organizations, cultural institutions, and religious organizations for their efforts that led to the successful signing of the peace pledge event.
