Mercy Kanyesigye Elected Chairperson of Uganda Parliamentary Youth Forum

In Kampala, National Female Youth MP Hon. Mercy Kanyesigye has been elected Chairperson of the Uganda Parliamentary Forum on Youth Affairs (UPFYA) for the 12th Parliament, according to an official update from Parliament. Kanyesigye takes the leadership role alongside Central Youth MP Hon. Samuel Begira as Vice Chairperson, while Kassanda South MP Hon. Abdul Bisaso joins the executive committee as Central Region Coordinator.

According to election results tallied and announced at Hoima City Stadium by the Electoral Commission and reported by Ugbulletin, Kanyesigye secured 216 votes to claim the National Female Youth seat. She narrowly defeated National Resistance Movement flag bearer Dianah Ampaire, who garnered 198 votes. Additional contenders in the race included Muhumuza Julia with 24 votes and Namande Edith Nakayiza with one vote.

Kanyesigye’s path to Parliament involved a shift after a contested primary within the ruling National Resistance Movement. After losing the primary to Ampaire and disputing the fairness of the process, Kanyesigye launched an independent bid for the general election. Youth leaders have taken notice of her eventual triumph, viewing it through the lens of Ugbulletin as a testament to political autonomy and an indicator that young people are increasingly ready to prioritize character and platform issues over strict party allegiance.

The 12th Parliament Executive Structure

During the UPFYA caucus Annual General Meeting, lawmakers endorsed the full slate for the new executive committee. The administrative structure bridges regional representation with legislative advocacy priorities:

• Chairperson: Hon. Mercy Kanyesigye (National Female Youth MP)
• Vice Chairperson: Hon. Samuel Begira (Central Region Youth MP)
• General Secretary: Hon. Elma Kapel Challa (Northern Region Youth MP)
• Publicity Secretary: Hon. Mwine Tumwebaze (Western Region Youth MP)
• Central Region Coordinator: Hon. Abdul Bisaso (Kassanda South MP)
• Eastern Region Coordinator: Hon. Fiona Nakku (National Female Workers MP)
• Western Region Coordinator: Hon. Viola Namanya (Ntungamo District Woman MP)
• Northern Region Coordinator: Hon. Rose Obigah (Terego District Woman MP)

Accepting the mandate, Kanyesigye emphasized an inclusive approach to legislative advocacy. According to statements released by Parliament, she expressed deep honor regarding the trust placed in her by colleagues. She also acknowledged support from democratic partners including the Westminster Foundation for Democracy and the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy for backing parliamentary youth programming.

Legislative Focus and Policy Frameworks

The forum operates as a parliamentary advocacy platform targeting systemic challenges facing younger citizens across the country. According to UPFYA documents, core advocacy pillars include targeted skills development, job creation, civic inclusion, and equitable access to national initiatives such as the Parish Development Model.

Kanyesigye, a lawyer and former National Youth Council official, has previously emphasized practical interventions to increase youth participation in public procurement and safeguard youth allocations in national programs. Vice Chairperson Samuel Begira noted that the incoming executive intends to use the caucus framework to convert these legislative priorities into actionable policy outcomes.

With the 12th Parliament setting its legislative course, the newly sworn-in leadership team begins its tenure immediately, tasked with strengthening parliamentary oversight and advancing frameworks dedicated to youth development.