Anyakun rallies IYF youth against election violence

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Gender, labour and social development state minister Esther Anyakun has urged the youth not to be lured into election violence.

She says that as the election period sets in, several politicians are targeting the youth to fulfil their agendas, something she warns might result in negative consequences.

Anyakun has also advised the youth to mind their business, continue with their work and only come out to vote for candidates of their choice.

"Avoid being used by politicians who will dump you immediately after you vote them into office. Those people are now targeting you because they know you can do anything," Anyakun says.

She made the call during the International Youth Fellowship (IYF) graduation at the IYF Institute in Rubaga, Kampala city on May 11, 2025.  IYF is a Christian-based global youth non-profit organisation.

the International Youth Fellowship (IYF) graduation at the IYF Institute in Rubaga, Kampala city on May 11, 2025. (Photo by Ivan Tsebeni)

A total of 300 candidates graduated from IYF in different disciplines of study. Out of these, 219 were females. Out of the total number, 56 were refugees from countries such as DR Congo, Sudan, Rwanda, Kenya, Burundi and Somalia.

These undertook a three-month study in disciplines, including fashion and design, hair dressing, media studies, business literacy, computer skills, and languages. Under languages, graduands studied French, English, Chinese, Korean and Kiswahili.

Vote for peace

Anyakun, who is also the Nakapiripirit District Woman legislator, rallied the youth to vote for President Yoweri Museveni, noting that the move will guarantee the country's stability.

She said she almost dropped out of school due to unrest that destabilised Karamoja region in the past. She, however, noted that President Museveni used his fast experience to end the instability and reported that girls can now attain education in the region.

"Being a girl in Karamoja meant that school was not for you. Much as it was hard, but somehow, I managed to break the barriers and here I am today. When you go to vote, choose peace because it is priceless," Anyakun said.

She added, "For us in Karamoja, we vote for President Museveni because we want peace.  We are no longer internally displaced because he brought peace."

Transform communities

On the other hand, IYF chairperson, the Reverend James Kim, asked the graduands to take responsibility for using their acquired skills to transform their communities.  He used the biblical parable of talents, imploring graduands to use them well to multiply the impact, especially in local communities.

"You have attained skills here to complement your God given talents. As you graduate, please, go and be a light of the world," Kim said.

He lauded the Government's support towards the programme, sharing the ongoing plans to establish study centres in different places such as Mukono, Jinja, and Mbale.

Kevin Mukisa, one of the graduands, commended IYF's efforts in transforming society with their focus, especially on the youth.  He noted that most of the youth joined while hopeless, but acknowledged that the institution had instilled hope for a better future in them.

"We thank the management and our teachers for showing us the way. We are now much better because we have been empowered with skills to face the challenging world," Mukisa said.

IYF was established as a worldwide youth organisation based on a Christian mindset in 2001, to raise leaders with a global insight through youth education, activities, and provide realistic solutions to problems in the global village.

Currently, the institution has established study centres in over 100 countries across the globe.