Abigail Victoria Ayeza, a 22-year-old university student, has officially picked nomination forms to contest for the presidency in the 2026 General Election.
Speaking to reporters after collecting the forms, Ayeza admitted that her decision has not been welcomed by everyone — including her own parents.
“My parents are not happy about this,” she revealed. “They are worried about the risks involved in politics, especially for someone young like me. But I believe that if young people keep fearing, nothing will change.”
Describing herself as passionate about justice and equal opportunity, Ayeza said her bold move was fueled by the government’s repeated failure to deliver on its promises.
“For years, we have been hearing the same promises, yet the reality on the ground doesn’t match. I want to represent the voice of young people who are tired of waiting,” she said.
She called on the youth to rise up and take charge of their future instead of leaving leadership solely in the hands of older generations.
“We are the majority in this country. If we unite, we can shape Uganda into the country we want,” Ayeza urged.
Her entry into the race makes her one of the youngest contenders in the 2026 presidential contest, a move that has already stirred debate about the role of youth in national leadership.
The Electoral Commission is expected to close the nomination forms collection process later this year before confirming candidates who will be on the ballot.