Arinda Daisy Kankiriho, daughter of the late Brigadier Patrick Kankiriho, a revered commander in the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has officially been nominated to contest in the National Resistance Movement (NRM) primaries for the Western Youth Member of Parliament seat ahead of the 2026 General Elections.
Her nomination was confirmed on Friday at around 2 PM at the NRM Secretariat offices in Kyadondo, where she is vying to succeed Hon. Edison Rugumayo.
Flanked by NRM youth delegates from across the Western Region, Arinda reaffirmed her commitment to redefining youth leadership. She expressed concern that many current youth representatives prioritize personal ambitions over addressing the real challenges affecting young people.
“I want to champion the issues affecting the youth and ensure they are prioritized in the Ugandan Parliament,” she stated during a press briefing following her nomination.
Running under the campaign slogan “Empowering Youth,” Arinda pledges to be a dynamic and inclusive voice for young Ugandans.
She currently serves as the Chairperson of the NRM Youth League in Akayanja Sub-county, Kiruhura District, and brings with her a strong track record in grassroots and student leadership.
Notably, she was the third female Guild President at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Arinda has vowed to confront key issues such as youth unemployment and underfunding of youth initiatives. Her platform emphasizes advocacy for increased government support and more opportunities for young people across the region.
She will face stiff competition in the primaries from other contenders including Kakwanzi Elizabeth, Mwine Tumwebaze, and Joram Ampeire.
Her father, the late Brig. Patrick Kankiriho, is remembered for his instrumental role in defeating the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) and his lasting contribution to regional peace and national security.
As the 2026 elections draw near, Arinda Daisy Kankiriho stands poised to make a meaningful impact on Uganda’s youth representation and legislative agenda.
