The Head of the State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU), Col. Edith Nakalema, has called on student leaders across the country to champion peace and stability as Uganda prepares for the 2026 general elections.
Nakalema made the remarks on Wednesday while meeting guild leaders from 39 universities and tertiary institutions, stressing that student leaders hold strong influence over thousands of young people and must use that power responsibly during the election season.
“As future leaders who will one day take over the offices we serve in today, we appealed to them to protect the peace and preserve the stability the country is enjoying,” Nakalema said.
The engagement, held under the Empowering Investors banner, brought together SHIPU officials and student leaders in a structured dialogue on leadership, integrity, and the role of young people in Uganda’s economic transformation.
Nakalema noted that the youth form the largest segment of Uganda’s population, placing a heavy responsibility on student leaders to prevent election-related violence and promote calm, constructive engagement within their institutions and communities.
She welcomed the formation of a Guild Leaders Network, describing it as a timely platform to unite student leadership nationwide, discourage violence, and promote responsible conduct before, during, and after the elections.
“With elections approaching, student leaders must act as ambassadors of peace in universities, workplaces, and communities,” she said, adding that the country is peaceful and should remain so throughout the polls.
Also addressing the gathering, Maj. Gen. Moses Rwakitarate, Coordinator of National Vital Assets and Strategic Installations, urged young people to participate actively in the elections while maintaining peace.
“Every vote counts. Even those who think their vote doesn’t matter it does,” he said, warning against voter apathy, especially in rural areas.
He emphasized that government and security agencies have issued clear instructions to ensure a peaceful electoral process, noting that voting should never be associated with violence or disruption. He encouraged the youth to participate without fear, guided by patriotism, integrity, and love for country.
During the dialogue, SHIPU leaders also highlighted the need to nurture young leaders who value transparency, accountability, and investment protection. Discussions focused on how students and future leaders can work with government institutions to build a corruption-free environment that attracts and protects investors.
Student guild representatives welcomed the engagement, describing it as a rare chance to directly interact with a key State House unit on issues affecting employment, investment, and national development.
Established in 2023 by President Yoweri Museveni, SHIPU was created to shield investors from corruption, fraud, and bureaucratic abuse. Its growing focus on youth outreach reflects a push to involve young people as partners in economic growth.
As youth unemployment and investment concerns remain high, the engagement positioned students not just as job seekers, but as critical players in shaping Uganda’s economic and political future ahead of the January 15, 2026 elections
