Lenia Charity Kevin
At 24, Lenia Charity Kevin became the youngest Member of Parliament in Uganda’s 12th Parliament. She represents Vurra County in Arua District, West Nile.
Born on July 1, 2001, Lenia’s political journey began during her university years. She previously served as vice guild president at Makerere University Business School (MUBS), where she developed an interest in leadership and student representation.
She initially associated with the National Unity Platform (NUP), even contesting for the MUBS guild presidency in 2023. However, she later joined the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) in 2024 and contested for Vurra County on its ticket.
Her election placed her among the youngest legislators in Uganda and brought attention to the growing participation of young people in national politics.
Robert Maseruka
Robert Maseruka is another young politician who made headlines after defeating established political figures to become the Member of Parliament for Mukono South.
Born on February 24, 2000, Maseruka was 25 when he won the January 2026 parliamentary election. He contested on the National Unity Platform ticket, defeating incumbent Fred Kayondo.
Before entering Parliament, he served as the 89th Guild President of Makerere University during the 2023/2024 academic year. His experience in student leadership helped him develop networks and political experience before taking his ambitions to the national stage.
Maseruka studied Journalism and Communication at Makerere University. During his campaign, he focused on issues affecting ordinary residents, including unemployment, poor roads, education and access to healthcare.
His victory was particularly notable because he challenged an established incumbent despite having fewer financial resources for campaigning.
Mercy Kanyesigye
Mercy Kanyesigye is one of the new faces in Uganda’s 12th Parliament. At 28, she became the National Female Youth Member of Parliament after winning the 2026 election as an independent candidate.
Born in 1998 in Lyantonde District, Kanyesigye grew up in a rural family and faced considerable challenges accessing education. She reportedly walked more than 10 kilometres to school, sometimes without shoes.
Her academic journey eventually took her to Uganda Christian University, where she studied law. She also served in the National Youth Council between 2020 and 2025, working her way through its leadership structures and building connections with young people across the country.
After losing the NRM primaries, she contested as an independent and defeated the party’s flag bearer, Diana Ampaire Kampe.
Kanyesigye has identified youth unemployment, illiteracy and limited opportunities as issues she wants to address during her parliamentary term.
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Yusuf Nkeretanyi
Yusuf Kiruluuta Nkeretanyi is among the younger politicians who attracted national attention during the 2026 elections. He won the Kalungu East parliamentary seat on the National Unity Platform ticket, defeating former Agriculture Minister Vincent Bamulangaki Ssempijja.
His political journey was shaped by grassroots mobilisation, business and engagement with the opposition movement.
During the campaign, Nkeretanyi relied on direct interaction with voters, social media and community engagements to build support. His victory against an experienced former minister marked a significant political upset in Kalungu District.
Since entering Parliament, he has continued to attract attention through his public commentary on governance, accountability and political change.
His political career is still developing, and his performance as a legislator will determine whether he becomes a wider national political figure or concentrates on representing his constituency.
Proscovia Alengot Oromait
Although she is not among the youngest MPs in the current Parliament, Proscovia Alengot Oromait deserves recognition in any discussion of young Ugandan politicians.
In 2012, she made history after winning the Usuk County parliamentary by-election in Katakwi District at the age of 19. Her victory made her the youngest Member of Parliament in Uganda and attracted international attention because she was also reported as Africa’s youngest elected legislator at the time.
She entered Parliament following the death of her father, Michael Oromait, who had represented the constituency. Her election demonstrated that young people could participate in national politics and compete for elective office.
Her story remains an important reference point for Uganda’s younger generation of political leaders.
Nyanzi Martin Luther
Nyanzi Martin Luther is an emerging youth voice whose political influence has come through civic engagement rather than an elected parliamentary position.
At 16, he attracted national attention in 2026 after submitting a petition to Parliament proposing the establishment of a National NGO Fund and reforms to the financing and regulation of civil society organisations.
He is also the founder of Apex Media Services, a media venture that operates platforms focused on youth content, music promotion and digital broadcasting. Through Apex Digital Skills, he has also been involved in initiatives aimed at helping young people develop media and digital entrepreneurship skills.
His petition demonstrated how young Ugandans can engage with national institutions even before qualifying to contest for parliamentary office.
Although he is not an MP, his activities place him among the young people worth watching in Uganda’s civic and political space.
A new generation of political leadership
The emergence of politicians such as Lenia Charity Kevin, Robert Maseruka, Mercy Kanyesigye and Yusuf Nkeretanyi shows that Uganda’s political space is not exclusively controlled by established leaders.
Their journeys also demonstrate different routes into politics. Some began through university leadership, others through youth organisations, grassroots mobilisation and community advocacy.
However, winning an election is only the beginning. These young leaders will be judged by their ability to represent their constituents, influence policy, address unemployment and improve public services.
For Uganda’s young population, the bigger question is whether the new generation of political leaders can turn their electoral victories and public pro
