As Uganda moves closer to the 2026 general elections, the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party is preparing for its primary elections to select candidates for Members of Parliament representing special interest groups, including the youth, workers, and persons with disabilities.
One of the most closely watched contests is the race for the Western Region Youth Member of Parliament, which has attracted over 20 aspirants vying for the NRM flag to represent the region’s youth in the 12th Parliament of Uganda.
Historically, the Western Youth MP seat has drawn candidates from influential families. For instance, during the 2016 elections, Mwine Mpaka, son of Hon. Minister Bright Rwamirama, went head-to-head with Amanya Tumukunde, son of former Security Minister Gen. Henry Tumukunde, who later fell out with the President.
These elections have not been without controversy. Past contests, particularly in 2011 and 2016, were marred by violence, voter bribery, and other electoral irregularities. The 2011 race between Dr. Aggrey Kyobuguzi and Gerald Karuhanga (Former MP for Ntungamo Municipality) is particularly noted for its heated and contentious nature.
This year, the NRM primaries for the Western Youth MP seat are expected to be equally competitive, with over 20 candidates in the race.
Among them is Anthony Niwagaba from Kanungu District.
Niwagaba hails from Kagashe Village, Katungu Parish, Rugyeyo Sub-county in Kinkizi East Constituency. His educational journey began at Makiro Primary School, where he completed his Primary Leaving Examinations in 2010 and served as head prefect.
He joined Great Lakes High School Katete for Senior One, later transferring to San Giovanni School Makiro, where he completed his O-Level in 2014.
For his A-Levels, he attended Apostles of Jesus Seminary Bukinda in Rukiga District, earning his Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education in 2016, having also served as an assistant head prefect.
Niwagaba later pursued higher education at Kabale University, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Management.
Professionally, he describes himself as a politician, business consultant, motivator, economist, and entrepreneur.
Running under the slogan “Voice of the Voiceless,” Niwagaba says his ambition is driven by the desire to advocate for the often-neglected youth.
He argues that many current youth representatives in Parliament pursue personal interests rather than addressing the real challenges facing young people.
“Enough is enough. We are done with politics as usual. It’s time to deliver real results for the youth of Western Uganda,” Niwagaba stated passionately.
He highlighted key challenges such as rampant youth unemployment, which he said is forcing many educated, skilled, and unskilled young people to seek opportunities in Gulf countries—often facing abuse and exploitation.
“Many of our young women are sexually harassed and even killed in these foreign countries. We need leaders of integrity and compassion, and that person is none other than Niwagaba Anthony,” he declared.
Niwagaba concluded by calling for unity among the youth in the Western region, urging them to rally behind a candidate who will truly represent their interests in the upcoming 2026 elections.
The Western Youth MP seat is currently held by Edson Rugumayo, also of the NRM.
