Xavier Radio Ug News 24 7
By Robert Segawa
Mercy Kanyesigye has been elected Uganda’s National Female Youth Member of Parliament after a closely contested 2026 Youth Parliamentary election that saw her triumph as an Independent candidate.
According to results released by the Electoral Commission at Hoima City Stadium polling centre, Kanyesigye secured 216 votes, narrowly edging out National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearer Dianah Ampaire, who polled 198 votes. Other candidates included Muhumuza Julia with 24 votes and Namande Edith Nakayiza, who received one vote.
Kanyesigye’s victory marks a remarkable political comeback following a bruising primary contest within the ruling NRM, where she lost to Ampaire. She later rejected the primary results, alleging the process was neither free nor fair, and claimed she had been cheated. Opting to run as an Independent, Kanyesigye vowed to return stronger and defeat her former party rival—a promise she has now fulfilled.
Her win has been widely welcomed by youth leaders across the country, many of whom view it as a victory for political independence and a clear signal that young voters are increasingly prioritizing integrity and issues over party affiliation.
During her campaign, Kanyesigye placed strong emphasis on youth empowerment and the fight against corruption, arguing that young people are often marginalized in the allocation of government resources. She was particularly outspoken about the Parish Development Model (PDM), pledging to champion transparency and equity to ensure youth groups genuinely benefit from the program.
She also committed to pushing for increased investment in skills development, youth entrepreneurship, and access to affordable financing, describing these areas as critical in addressing unemployment and poverty among Uganda’s youthful population.
With her election, Kanyesigye now joins the 12th Parliament, where expectations are high that she will emerge as a bold, independent, and influential voice for young people across Uganda.
