Uganda Now Youth Group endorses Namuganza for Speaker of Parliament

The Uganda Now Youth Group has endorsed State Minister Persis Namuganza for Speaker of the 12th Parliament, calling on President Museveni and MPs across party lines to support her candidacy.

Uganda Now Youth Group leaders address the media in Jinja as they endorse State Minister Persis Namuganza for Speaker of the 12th Parliament.

Jinja, Uganda: The Uganda Now Youth Group has formally endorsed State Minister for Housing Persis Namuganza for the position of Speaker of the 12th Parliament, adding fresh momentum to the increasingly competitive leadership race.

The endorsement was announced on Monday, February 23, 2026, during a media briefing at Speaks Court Hotel in Jinja City, where the group praised Namuganza’s integrity, professionalism and track record in public service.

In a statement, the group described the Bukono Constituency legislator as a distinguished public servant whose leadership journey began in youth activism and extended through key government roles, including Deputy Resident District Commissioner, State Minister for Lands and currently State Minister for Housing.

“Uganda deserves a Parliament led with dignity, guided by principle, and anchored in respect for democratic values. Hon. Princess Namuganza Persis represents the calibre of leadership necessary to strengthen parliamentary independence, restore public confidence, and advance Uganda’s democratic and institutional maturity,” the endorsement reads.

Call for Cross-Party Support

Ibrahim Shamiru Byakika, Team Leader of Uganda Now Youth Group, called on President Yoweri Museveni to back Namuganza for the Speakership and urged Members of Parliament across party lines, including the National Resistance Movement (NRM), Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), National Unity Platform (NUP) and Democratic Party (DP), to support her candidature.

“Constituents across the country, we task you to remind your legislators to vote for her,” Byakika said.

Mr Odunga John, the group’s publicist from the Bukedi Sub-region, emphasized Namuganza’s suitability for the office and urged MPs from the region to rally behind her. He noted that the Uganda Now Youth Group is a national pressure group with members across the country and abroad and intends to mobilise support nationwide.

“This is a pressure group bringing us together and demanding accountability. When we vote for leaders, we must also tell them what we want. We must set the agenda for leaders to follow,” Odunga said.

Broadening Political Backing

Madox Lugada Joseph, the group’s coordinator and a former FDC commissioner who later joined NUP, said Namuganza’s public service record and what he described as her clean track record motivated their endorsement.

Residents from Bukono Constituency also expressed support for Namuganza’s bid. Joel Kalimungaro said voters elected her based on her capabilities and believe her elevation to Speaker would bring added influence and opportunities for the region.

Namuganza now joins an expanding field of contenders for the Speakership, a position currently held by Rt. Hon. Anita Among. With endorsements emerging from various interest groups, the race for leadership of the 12th Parliament continues to intensify ahead of the House’s first sitting.