Oxford Scholar Enters Race for National Female Youth MP Seat, Stirring Debate on Youth Representation

A University of Oxford public policy scholar has entered the race for the National Female Youth Member of Parliament seat, injecting fresh debate into long-standing concerns over how youth leaders are selected and represented in Uganda’s political system.

Julia Muhumuza, currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Public Policy (MPP) at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford, has declared her intention to contest as an independent candidate ahead of the 2026 general elections.

Her decision departs from the norm in a contest traditionally dominated by candidates backed by major political parties.

Muhumuza rose to national attention in 2022 after emerging as the best overall graduate at Makerere University’s 72nd graduation ceremony. She completed a Bachelor’s degree in International Business at Makerere University Business School (MUBS) with a near-perfect CGPA of 4.91–4.92 out of 5.0, outperforming more than 12,000 graduates across Makerere University’s constituent colleges.

Her entry into the race comes at a time when youth MPs are facing increased scrutiny from civil society groups and youth activists, who argue that youth seats in Parliament have often produced limited legislative impact and weak accountability to the young people they represent.

Critics say the positions have, in many cases, been shaped by party patronage rather than open competition and merit. Political analysts note that running as an independent presents both opportunity and risk.

While Muhumuza’s academic profile and global policy exposure may resonate with educated and urban youth, mobilising support across a nationwide youth electorate without party machinery remains a significant challenge.

Sources familiar with youth political processes say her candidacy has already triggered discussion within party structures, particularly as internal disputes continue over youth slots in several political formations.

On social media, her bid has fueled wider debates about merit, tokenism, and whether youth representation in Parliament needs structural reform.

The National Female Youth MP seat is among the most visible youth positions in the August House, often attracting intense political interest and behind-the-scenes negotiations. As the race gradually takes shape, observers say Muhumuza’s entry could force a broader reassessment of what effective youth representation should look like beyond party loyalty.

With campaigns expected to intensify in the coming months, attention will turn to whether her profile and message can translate into grassroots support, and whether independent voices can gain ground in a political space long controlled by established parties.