Hoima, Uganda: Mercy Kanyesigye, running as an independent candidate, has been declared the winner of the National Female Youth Member of Parliament seat after narrowly defeating ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearer Dianah Ampaire Kampe in a tightly contested college vote held at Hoima City Stadium on Friday.
According to results announced by the Electoral Commission, Kanyesigye polled 216 votes, edging Ampaire, who garnered 198 votes. Independent candidate Julia Muhumuza received 24 votes, while National Unity Platform candidate Namande Edith Nakayiza secured one vote. Two ballots were declared invalid.
Shortly after being declared winner, Kanyesigye attributed her success to faith and perseverance. “We were rigged in the primaries, but we remained humble and focused,” she said. “I was insulted and pushed aside, but I stayed composed. God has spoken.”
Kanyesigye’s victory follows a contentious journey to the ballot. She initially contested in the NRM flag bearer race for the same position, but later opted to stand as an independent after publicly disputing the outcome of the party primaries.
Backed by the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), Kanyesigye accused NRM electoral officials of manipulating the process to deny her victory, claims that circulated widely within youth league structures.
She subsequently withdrew efforts to challenge Ampaire’s victory, citing fraudulent tallying and intimidation, and declared her intention to contest as an independent, a decision that ultimately paid off.
The Electoral Commission Chairperson, Simon Byabakama, who supervised the exercise, commended the youth for maintaining discipline throughout the process. “This has been the most peaceful exercise so far. I want to commend the youth for the discipline displayed. This is how we nurture future leaders,” Byabakama said.
He encouraged young Ugandans to actively participate in politics, stressing the importance of generational transition in leadership.
Efforts to obtain a comment from Ampaire were unsuccessful. The NRM candidate said she was busy and not ready to speak to journalists.
Observers say Ampaire’s defeat adds to a growing trend of independent candidates, particularly those emerging from disputed party primaries, defeating official party flag bearers, raising renewed questions about internal democracy within political parties.
With youth increasingly assertive in political spaces, Kanyesigye’s win is expected to embolden more young leaders, especially women, to challenge party establishments and assert independence.
Her next challenge will be to translate her victory into effective national representation for young women and youth constituencies across the country.
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