African Bureaucracy Studies (Public Admin/Political | 28 November 2008
Youth Identity and Political Participation in Urban Uganda: An Exploration
M, u, k, a, s, a, K, i, z, z, a, ,, O, k, e, y, d, o, k, e, E, l, l, y, ,, K, a, b, a, k, a, S, t, e, p, h, e, n
Abstract
Youth identity in urban Uganda is shaped by social, economic, and political factors, influencing their engagement with governance. A mixed-methods approach combining qualitative interviews and quantitative surveys to analyse data from a purposive sample of young people aged 18-25. Youth who identified strongly with local cultural groups were more likely to participate in political activities, indicating the importance of community ties in civic engagement. This study contributes to understanding how identity shapes political participation among urban youth in Uganda. Interventions should focus on strengthening community-based initiatives to enhance young people's sense of belonging and political efficacy.