By Julius Akanyijuka
Rukungiri-In a vibrant and politically charged meeting held at Rukungiri Inn Hotel on Rwanyakashesha Hill, youth delegates from Rukungiri District have officially endorsed Hon. Mwine Tumwebaze as their preferred candidate for Western Youth Member of Parliament ahead of the upcoming national youth elections set for late August 2025.
The gathering attracted a wide array of NRM youth leaders and aspiring political figures from Rukungiri Municipality and beyond. With more than 15 contenders in the race, the meeting served as a key moment in defining the direction of youth leadership in the region.
Mwine Tumwebaze: “We Need to Empower from the Ground Up”Mwine Tumwebaze, a lawyer and resident of Mbarara City, spoke passionately about the systemic challenges facing youth in politics, especially the lack of empowerment among youth MPs at the grassroots level.
“We must transform youth politics by actively engaging with our communities, listening to their concerns, and delivering solutions. Only through a bottom-up approach can we build a team that truly speaks for the youth in Parliament,” Mwine said.
His message resonated deeply with the delegates, who emphasized the importance of leadership grounded in community engagement and integrity.
Levi Tukundane: “Let Our Voices Reach the President”Levi Tukundane Napoleon, Chairperson of the Rukungiri National Youth League, echoed Mwine’s sentiments and thanked the youth for mobilizing support for the NRM.
“Rukungiri youth have often leaned toward opposition parties, which has contributed to government neglect,” Tukundane noted.
“Now that we’re embracing NRM, our voices must be heard by President Museveni and senior leaders like Maj. Gen. Jim Muhwezi.”
Tukundane also underscored the need to address youth unemployment through government programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM).
Davis Mbabazi Calls for a Ministry of Youth Affairs Mbabazi Davis, current District Youth Councilor for Kanungu and a candidate for National Youth Chairperson, shared his frustration over the delays in funding for youth initiatives.
“Our projects are delayed, underfunded, or mismanaged. That’s why I’m calling for the creation of an independent Ministry of Youth Affairs to ensure we have a dedicated voice in government.” Delegates Demand Accountability from Youth Leaders
Delegates including Nasasira Micheal Mbanooha, Chairperson of NRM Youth League (Western Division, Rukungiri Municipality), and Kanyesigye Isaac, Youth Chairperson for Kebisoni Sub-county, criticized some youth MPs for focusing on fame rather than advocacy.
“We need representatives who will speak our language in Parliament—not chase media attention,” they stressed.
Kankiriho Arinda Daisy Advocates for Inclusive Leadership Kankiriho Arinda Daisy, former Guild President of Mbarara University of Science and Technology, also addressed the gathering.
A strong contender for the Western Youth MP seat, Daisy emphasized inclusive leadership. “Whether educated or not, every young person deserves to be part of the decision-making process,” she said.
Daisy also raised concerns over the financial mismanagement that has crippled several youth livelihood programs, calling for increased financial literacy and oversight.Supporters of Daisy from neighboring districts, including Ivan Nuwagaba (Rubanda) and Bob Atwine (Rukiga), praised her innovation and vision, urging collective action to back her candidacy.
A New Chapter in Youth LeadershipThe meeting closed with renewed energy and unity among youth leaders in Rukungiri. Delegates pledged to amplify the voices of young people, drive grassroots development, and elect leaders who prioritize community service over self-promotion.
As the countdown to the August youth elections continues, Rukungiri’s youth are setting the pace for a more responsive, transparent, and inclusive political future in Uganda.
