Ugandan Youth Advocate Announces Bid for Central Region Youth MP
Kampala — In a move that underscores rising youth engagement in Ugandan politics, HIV-positive activist Gloria Nawanyaga has declared her candidacy for the position of Youth Member of Parliament (MP) for the Central Region in the 2026–2031 term. The announcement, made via a post on the social media platform X, signals a determined effort to bring youth concerns to the forefront of national dialogue.
What Nawanyaga Hopes to Achieve
Nawanyaga’s campaign emphasizes a commitment to empowering young people across the Central Region. She has framed her bid around several core priorities: expanding access to education and vocational training, creating safer pathways for youth employment, and strengthening youth representation in policy-making. By positioning herself as a candidate who speaks to the realities of young Ugandans, Nawanyaga aims to ensure that the youth voice informs legislation and budget choices that affect schools, apprenticeships, and local development projects.
Inclusive Leadership and Visibility
Speaking to reporters and supporters, Nawanyaga highlighted the importance of inclusive leadership that reflects the diversity of the region. She also noted the need to address stigma and health challenges facing many young people, including those living with HIV. Her public acknowledgment as an HIV-positive advocate is a central aspect of her platform, signaling a broader push for transparent leadership, health awareness, and destigmatization within political spaces.
The Role of Youth MPs in Uganda
In Uganda, the Youth MP serves as a voice for younger constituents, helping to bridge the gap between parliament and the communities that often feel underrepresented. This position involves oversight of youth development programs, advising on education policy, entrepreneurship, and social services. Proponents argue that a dedicated Youth MP can accelerate progress on issues like skills training, rural electrification, access to finance for young entrepreneurs, and the modernization of youth-friendly services at the local level.
Support and Community Response
Initial reactions from supporters and local organizations have been mixed, yet largely optimistic. Advocates for youth empowerment praise Nawanyaga’s willingness to run a campaign centered on issue-based strategies rather than personality politics. Critics, meanwhile, are watching closely for how her platform translates into tangible reforms and how she navigates the complexities of regional representation in a national political landscape.
What Comes Next for Nawanyaga
If elected, Nawanyaga would join a cohort of regional Youth MPs expected to collaborate on shared challenges while addressing the unique needs of their constituencies. Her campaign will likely focus on building robust networks with civil society groups, educators, and aspiring entrepreneurs across the Central Region. For observers, the 2026 race could become a litmus test for the appetite among Ugandan youths for more direct involvement in policy-making and governance.
Conclusion
Gloria Nawanyaga’s bid for the Central Region Youth MP seat highlights a broader trend: more young leaders with diverse life experiences are stepping into politics to advocate for concrete changes. Her status as an HIV-positive candidate may also help push conversations about health, inclusion, and resilience into the mainstream political discourse, potentially shaping how youth issues are prioritized in the coming years.
