A coalition of government and civil society organisations working on child protection has warned political actors against using children in election campaigns, saying the practice violates their rights and exposes them to danger.
The call follows growing reports of children being seen at rallies, clad in party T-shirts and campaign uniforms, and in some cases used to mobilise crowds, distribute posters, or feature in promotional music videos.
Speaking at a joint press conference in Kampala, Apitta Omala, who represented the chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission, said the involvement of children in partisan politics was unlawful and risked long-term harm.
“Children are the future of this nation. They should not be engaged in partisan politics, which may expose them to violations of their rights. We are increasingly seeing children used as campaigning agents. This must stop. Children need to be protected at all levels,” Omala said.
Since the campaigns began in November, some presidential aspirants have been accused of ferrying children to rallies to boost numbers, while others allegedly deploy them to hang posters or animate processions.
Damon Wamara, the executive director of the Uganda Child Rights NGO Network (UCRNN), said the practice was widespread and deeply worrying. He criticised politicians for transporting children long distances, only to abandon them after rallies, leaving them vulnerable to violence, hunger, and exploitation.
“As you organise your political activities, please consider the rights and safety of children,” he said. “No child should be exposed to harm in the name of politics.”
UNICEF’s representative in Uganda, Dr Robin Nandy, urged political parties to prioritise child protection and ensure access to basic services for the most vulnerable, including children who are out of school.
The agency warned that campaign season often heightens risks for minors, especially in urban areas where rallies, processions, and clashes with security forces are common.
The press conference, which brought together the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), UNICEF, the National Initiative for Civic Education in Uganda, and UCRNN, ended with a joint pledge to strengthen coordination ahead of the elections.
The organisations said they would monitor campaign activities, engage candidates on child protection standards, and raise public awareness about keeping children away from political events.
“Our message is simple. Children must be safeguarded, not used to score political points,” the coalition said.
