Youth leaders addressing the media at Sheron Hotel in Kampala on Sunday.
Youth leaders from across the country have appealed to court to uphold the election of Mercy Kanyesigye as National Female Youth Member of Parliament, insisting that the electoral process was transparent, credible, and beyond reproach.
Kanyesigye was declared winner of the election held on February 6, 2026, at Hoima City Stadium, after polling 216 votes, defeating her closest rival Diana Ampaire, who garnered 198 votes. Ampaire has since challenged the results and petitioned court for a vote recount. Court is expected to rule on the application on Tuesday.
Addressing the media in Kampala on Sunday, youth leaders under the National Youth Council (NYC) described the recount application as baseless and an afterthought.
“A recount in one polling station? What exactly is Ampaire looking for?” asked Stephane Ndyamuhaki, the NYC Secretary for Finance for Rwampara District. “The Electoral Commission Chairperson, Justice Simon Byabakama, was present. Kanyesigye won the election and no complaint was raised at the time. Why now?”
Ndyamuhaki said Ampaire’s claims lack substance and urged court to dismiss the application.
The youth leaders also dismissed allegations suggesting that the Presidency favors Ampaire over Kanyesigye, calling on the President or his office to clarify the matter.
“Our votes will not be stolen. We guarded the vote,” said Sarah Kyomuhangi, a youth leader from Kampala. “There was one polling station, one ballot box, and everything was conducted in broad daylight. Kanyesigye’s victory must stand.”
Franco Waiswa, a youth leader from Iganga District, said the youth had already made a clear decision.
“We reject the move to recount the votes. We decided, and Kanyesigye is our MP-elect,” Waiswa said.
From Kitgum District, youth leader Ogenrwot questioned the integrity of any recount at this stage.
“No one knows the current state of the ballot box,” he said. “We do not have the mandate to safeguard it. How do you request a recount in a single polling station long after the election?”
He added that youth elections have previously faced challenges and urged authorities to respect the final outcome.
“We want what is rightfully ours. Give us Mercy. We voted for her from the Youth Council to the national level,” he said.
Similarly, John Kisembo, a youth leader from Kakumiro District, said the matter should be settled.
“Mercy went through as MP, and she is the one we want,” Kisembo said.
Court is expected to deliver its ruling on Tuesday, a decision youth leaders say will be critical in protecting the integrity of youth representation and the credibility of the electoral process.
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