Africa-Press – Uganda. Supporters of Bukono County Member of Parliament, Persis Namuganza, have intensified efforts to rally national support for her bid for Speaker of Parliament following the launch of a youth-led pressure group in Jinja.
Operating under the banner “Uganda Now,” the newly unveiled platform brings together youth leaders drawn from different political affiliations.
At a launch event held in Jinja, members said their mission is to mobilise grassroots and national backing for Namuganza’s candidature while advocating reforms aimed at restoring public confidence in Parliament.
The group argued that the image of the August House has, over time, been dented by persistent allegations of corruption and a perceived decline in the quality of legislative debate.
They said a new leadership approach is necessary to rebuild institutional credibility and strengthen accountability mechanisms.
Madox Bosco Lugada, the team leader of Uganda Now, formally declared the group’s endorsement of Namuganza for the Speakership of the 12th Parliament.
“Uganda Now formally and unequivocally declares its endorsement of Hon. Princess Namuganza Persis for the esteemed position of Speaker of the 12th Parliament of the Republic of Uganda,” Lugada said.
“She is a distinguished public servant whose leadership journey exemplifies resilience, competence, and an unwavering commitment to national service.”
Speakers at the event described Namuganza as a representative of a new generation of principled and service-oriented leadership.
They highlighted her experience in public service, beginning with youth leadership structures and rising through key government positions, including Deputy Resident District Commissioner and State Minister for Lands. She currently serves as Minister for Housing and Urban Development.
The youth leaders appealed to President Yoweri Museveni of uganda, in his capacity as National Chairman of the National Resistance Movement, to guide and mobilise the ruling party’s parliamentary caucus in support of Namuganza’s bid.
“We call upon His Excellency the President of the Republic of Uganda and National Chairman of the NRM to provide guidance and mobilise support within the NRM Parliamentary Caucus,” one of the group’s representatives said.
The group also urged Members of Parliament across the political divide to support her candidature in what they described as the spirit of national unity and institutional integrity. They specifically appealed to opposition legislators to act in the supreme national interest.
Sirajje Lukwago, another member of Uganda Now, said the country deserves a Parliament led with dignity, guided by principle, and strengthened by credible leadership.
“Princess Namuganza embodies the character, experience, and vision necessary to enhance parliamentary independence, restore public confidence, and advance Uganda’s democratic progress,” Lukwago said.
He added that as a trained legal professional, Namuganza possesses the constitutional expertise and institutional discipline required to preside over Parliament with fairness and impartiality.
“Her leadership capacity positions her to safeguard the dignity, independence, and credibility of Parliament at this critical moment in Uganda’s democratic evolution,” he noted.
Uganda Now leaders maintain that their movement is not merely about advancing an individual candidacy but about advocating a broader reform agenda focused on transparency, accountability, and strengthening legislative oversight.
As momentum builds around the Speakership race ahead of the 12th Parliament, the emergence of organised youth-backed platforms such as Uganda Now signals the growing role of young political actors in shaping leadership contests within Uganda’s parliamentary landscape.
