Kampala, Uganda: The race for Uganda’s National Female Youth Member of Parliament seat, particularly under the NRM ticket is heating up, as political observers point to a tight contest that could shape the future of youth leadership in the East African nation.
With the conclusion of the expression of interest for the upcoming nominations and NRM primaries, four aspiring candidates (Siyemah Atukunda, Gold Ikyiriza, Ampaire Kampe Diana, and Kanyesigye Mercy have emerged as top contenders for the role that is widely viewed as a springboard into national politics, especially in a country where over 70% of the population is under 30.
The quartet is leading the conversation both on social media and in grassroots mobilization circles, drawing widespread youth interest and analysis from across the country. Let’s look at each of them indepth in this article…
Siyemah Atukunda: Grassroots Mobilizer with National Appeal
Siyemah Atukunda is building her campaign on a foundation of dual experience at both district and national levels. She previously served as the 32nd Assistant General Secretary of UNSA and currently holds the position of Secretary for Female Affairs on the Mubende District Youth Council.
Her campaign message focuses on service delivery and inclusive representation, particularly for marginalized youth voices in rural communities, themed under the slogan, “A Transformational Youth Agenda”.
A former student leader who worked alongside her at Kyambogo University describes Siyemah as “a mobilizer who understands the trenches and the needs of the average rural youth.”
Gold Ikyiriza: Seasoned in Student Leadership
Gold Ikyiriza, a Makerere University graduate and former Vice President of the Uganda National Students’ Association (UNSA), is no newcomer to national youth politics. Known for her clarity of vision and strong organizational roots, Gold’s campaign is resonating with university circles, progressive youth activists, and NRM-affiliated student movements.
An alumna of the Uganda Democracy Academy, she also serves on the board of the World Youth Democracy Empowerment Organisation and played a leading role in founding the Makerere chapter of the Pan African Women’s Organisation.
GOLD’s leadership style, described by analysts as a “smooth operator” approach, has helped her build a wide support base in the early stages of the race. She is fronting an independent Youth Ministry in her bid for the National Female Youth MP slot.
Diana Ampaire Kampe: The Fast-Rising Underdog
Diana Ampaire Kampe’s growing support, particularly in Western Uganda, has surprised many observers. Though previously little known in national youth political spaces, her social media traction and strong endorsements from regional female leaders have placed her in the spotlight.
“She’s not loud, but she’s effective and organized,” said a youth influencer. “Young women across the region see her as a fresh and viable alternative.”
Mercy Kanyesigye: The Legal Mind With a Unity Message
Mercy Kanyesigye, a law graduate from Uganda Christian University and current Legal Affairs Secretary of the National Youth Council, has captured national attention with her unifying slogan “Tuko Pamoja” (We are together).
Kanyesigye, who also represents Lyantonde District as Youth Female Affairs officer, is campaigning on a platform of empowerment, grassroots inclusion, and legal awareness for youth. Her academic background has strengthened her policy positions, and her steady rise is being backed by both legal scholars and youth-led community initiatives.
“Mercy is bold, visionary, and focused on collective youth development,” said a youth leader in Central Uganda.
Susan Katusiime: Championing Rural Youth Equity
Kazo District Female Youth Councillor Susan Katusiime, 27, has declared her bid with a strong message focused on equity and rural representation. In her pitch, she critiques past Youth MPs for neglecting national youth agendas in favor of personal political advancement.
“I am contesting because I believe youth need a real voice—one that understands their daily struggles, especially in rural Uganda,” she said in an interview.
She calls for a fairer distribution of youth opportunities and consultative leadership that actively includes voices from remote districts.
Phiona Nakku: A Cultural Entry with an Agricultural Vision
Phiona Nakku, a native of the Bukedi sub-region, made her entry into the race with a culturally symbolic launch accompanied by kadodi drumming, often reserved for momentous events in Bugisu.
Nakku’s campaign emphasizes youth-led agricultural productivity and collaboration between the National Youth Council and the NRM youth wing. She advocates for greater female representation in governance and has urged youth to rally behind President Museveni ahead of the 2026 elections.
“Nakku Fiona is not just a candidate; she is a champion for our voices and our future,” she declared in one of her public statements.
As the NRM gears up for a competitive internal process, the emergence of articulate, visionary, and grassroots-connected female candidates signals a generational shift in youth politics.
Whether through legal acumen, mobilization power, or district-level advocacy, these young women are positioning themselves not just for a seat in Parliament but for a decisive role in shaping Uganda’s political future.
The real contest begins when the primaries open, but the message is already clear: Uganda’s young women are no longer waiting for their turn. They’re stepping forward to lead.
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