More than 50 youth mobilisers affiliated with NRM Team Solidarity Zigoti-Mityana have raised concern over what they describe as increasing political profiling and public hostility directed at them because of their political affiliation, calling on government to intervene and ensure their safety.
The group voiced their concerns during a meeting with the Deputy Resident District Commissioner for Mityana, Prossy Mwanjuzi, saying their mobilisation activities have become increasingly difficult due to suspicion and resistance from sections of the public.
Led by their spokesperson, Junior Turyasingura, the youths said they are frequently labelled negatively and viewed with mistrust solely because of their association with the ruling National Resistance Movement, despite their involvement in what they describe as peaceful grassroots mobilisation and community engagement.
"We are committed to mobilising communities and supporting government programmes, but the environment we operate in has become hostile," Turyasingura said.
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"Some people judge us and label us negatively simply because of our political affiliation."
Members said the political profiling has limited their ability to move freely in communities, engage residents openly, and carry out outreach activities, particularly as political activity intensifies.
Juliet Nabakka, one of the mobilisers, said the challenges persist despite the group's voluntary service and loyalty to the party.
She said many residents misunderstand their intentions, often assuming they are acting with hidden motives or enforcing political interests.
"We are doing this work out of commitment, not personal gain," Nabakka said.
"But the way people look at us and treat us makes mobilisation very difficult."
The youths warned that continued hostility could discourage young people from participating in political mobilisation and civic engagement, particularly at the grassroots level where trust between political actors and communities is critical.
In response, Deputy RDC Prossy Mwanjuzi acknowledged the concerns and urged the youths to remain peaceful, disciplined, and focused on constructive engagement with communities.
She said youth participation is important in governance and development and assured the group that their concerns would be raised with relevant authorities.
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"Your concerns are valid, and we shall engage relevant offices to ensure that your work is recognised and protected," Mwanjuzi said.
The engagement highlighted broader tensions faced by politically active youth groups at the grassroots, especially as political activity begins to intensify ahead of future electoral processes.
NRM Team Solidarity Zigoti-Mityana said it hopes that continued dialogue with government officials and local leaders will help ease tensions, improve public understanding of their role, and create a safer environment for youth participation in political mobilisation and community service.
