Africa-Press – Uganda. Yvonne Mpambara, a 33-year-old lawyer and social justice advocate from southwestern Uganda, has officially announced her candidacy for the presidency in the 2026 general elections, making her the youngest woman ever to vie for Uganda’s highest office.
Born in Kanungu and raised in Kabale, both in the Kigezi region, Mpambara joins a small but growing group of women who have stepped forward since Uganda’s return to democratic elections in 1996.
She is only the fourth woman to run for president, following Betty Olive Namisango Kamya (2011), Maureen Kyalya Waluube (2016), and Nancy Kalembe (2021).
Taking to social media, Mpambara declared:
“Ladies, gentlemen, ALL Ugandans in the country and in the diaspora, my name is Yvonne Mpambara and I am running for Presidency of the Republic of Uganda 2026–2031. My Candidacy is a bold step towards National Renewal and Healing, Justice and Prosperity for All.”
Her campaign platform calls for a transformative shift in Uganda’s political culture — one that returns power to the people through genuine elections or people-led social movements.
She emphasizes inclusivity, aiming to represent women, youth, persons with disabilities, farmers, boda boda riders, creatives, sex workers, medics, and workers living “hand to mouth and paycheck to paycheck.”
Mpambara’s candidacy challenges entrenched political norms, criticizing the lavish spending and empty political theatrics typical of some campaigns:
“Us whose Candidacy will not use 7.5 billion of tax payers’ money to hold loud empty rallies and bribe Ugandans with soap to participate in empty political gimmicks.”
Her rallying call — #ShiftThePower — aims to end “the old game of politics” and elevate leadership that truly reflects Uganda’s diverse population.
Educated at Makerere University, where she earned her Bachelor of Laws (LLB), and the University of East London for her Master of Laws (LLM), Ms Mpambara brings professional experience from organizations including SRHR Alliance Uganda, Reach A Hand Uganda, and the African Youth Caucus.
She has also been vocal about the need for greater gender representation in leadership.
Speaking to stereotypes that often sideline women, Ms Mpambara has said:
“We have to start pushing Women to vie for the highest office… Why do women always have to take the second seat in governance?”
Mpambara enters a crowded and competitive 2026 race that will likely see incumbent President Museveni seeking another term after more than 35 years in power.
She will face prominent challengers including Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine of the National Unity Platform (NUP), Norbert Mao of the Democratic Party (DP), Jimmy Akena of the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), Joseph Kabuleta of the National Economic Empowerment Dialogue (NEED), as well as independents like John Katumba and Ivan Kisaakye.
Despite the growing number of contenders, no woman has yet come close to winning Uganda’s presidency, with all previous female candidates running as independents without strong party backing.
Ms Mpambara’s youth and clear social justice focus offer a fresh narrative in a political arena dominated by older, male incumbents.
Source: Nilepost News
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