Uganda is once again heading into another election season. As has become tradition, the country is heaving with political activities. Familiar faces; the incumbent leaders are back on the campaign trail, armed with promises of better service delivery and plea for support to complete the “unfinished business.” Meanwhile, a wave of new entrants, brimming with energy and fresh ambition, seeks to unseat the old guards, anchoring their campaigns on the perceived failures of the incumbents and calling for a generational shift in leadership.

But peace does not happen by chance. It requires deliberate and collective effort from all of us; voters, political leaders, civil society actors, security organs, candidates, the media… We must all work together to ensure that the mistakes of the past are not repeated. The toxic rhetoric, tribal profiling and hate-filled propaganda that have historically marred our political landscape must be decisively rejected. The politics of division can no longer be allowed to thrive in a country yearning for development, unity and shared progress.

Creations Forum Afrika (CAF), a local civil society organization rooted in the Rwenzori region, continues to stand at the forefront of peacebuilding and conflict resolution. With a track record of promoting non-violent approaches to conflict resolution, CAF remains committed to working with all stakeholders during this sensitive political season. The organization has previously engaged deeply in supporting local peace structures, facilitating dialogues and advocating for tolerance and coexistence.

As the 2026 elections draw nearer, CAF remains open to collaboration with all key stakeholders to champion peaceful engagement across the region. CAF calls upon all citizens, regardless of political affiliation to join a peace campaign “It Starts with You”, a grassroot movement aimed at promoting individual responsibility in preventing electoral violence. Every citizen must be vigilant, report early warning signs of unrest and reject any incitement to violence.

Let this season be different. Let it be remembered not for conflict, but for civility. Not for bullets, but for ballots. Not for hate, but for hope.

Together, we can build sustainable peace with a common destiny – A Better and Peaceful Rwenzori