By Frank Kamuntu
Independent candidate Mercy Kanyesigye has been elected the National Female Youth Member of Parliament for the 2026–2031 term after defeating three rivals in elections held at Hoima City Stadium.
According to results declared by the Electoral Commission, Kanyesigye polled 216 votes, narrowly beating National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearer Dianah Ampaire Kampe, who received 198 votes. Muhumuza Julia secured 24 votes, while Namande Edith Nakayiza obtained one vote.
A total of 439 valid votes were cast at the polling station, with one rejected ballot. Electoral officials counted 440 ballot papers, none of which were spoilt. The polling station had been issued with 450 ballot papers, leaving 10 unused.
The Electoral Commission said 320 male and 120 female voters participated in the election.
Kanyesigye is a lawyer and currently serves as Secretary for Legal Affairs at the National Youth Council Uganda. Although she contested as an independent candidate, she was backed by the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU).
Her victory highlights the growing influence of youth-oriented political formations, with the National Female Youth MP seat often viewed as a key platform for emerging leaders to shape national debate on education, employment, innovation and social policy.
Kanyesigye is expected to take her seat in the next Parliament alongside other representatives elected under special interest groups, including youth, workers, persons with disabilities and the army.
The Electoral Commission said the official national tally will be published and the results gazetted in the coming days.
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