Grace Akunda Bwesigye, a trained demographer and former NRM flag bearer for Ndorwa East, has set her sights on the Kabale District Woman MP seat in the 2026 general elections.
With roots in Kabale and a career spanning church projects, legal training coordination, and finance, she is stepping back into the political arena with what she calls a renewed sense of duty.
Born on May 5, 1975, in Nyabushabi village to the late Rev. Solomon Bekunda and Loi Bekunda, Akunda is no stranger to service and leadership.
Her academic journey took her from Kabale’s local schools to Makerere University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences and a Master’s in Demography.
She later added a postgraduate diploma in Human Resource Management and a certificate in counselling, equipping her for both policy and people work.
Her professional background reflects a mix of grassroots engagement and institutional work.
She served as a research assistant and data entrant at the Diocese of Kigezi's Compassion International office, and later as a project administrator at All Saints Cathedral in Kampala.
Akunda also worked with UGAFODE and coordinated trainings for Local Council III courts across the country at the Internal Law Institute.
Her political aspirations took shape during the 2016 general elections, when she contested as the National Resistance Movement (NRM) flagbearer for Ndorwa East County—becoming the only woman in a male-dominated race.
Although she lost to the current MP, Wilfred Niwagaba, Akunda says the experience was formative and reaffirmed her resolve to lead.
“I’m well-versed with the Kigezi terrain. I was born here, I’ve worked here, and I’ve led here,” she says.
“I understand the challenges our people face, and I’m confident I can represent them effectively.”
Akunda insists that her entry into politics was not inspired by any individual, but rather a growing frustration with how citizens in her area were being neglected.
“I felt the need to advocate for my people so they can receive the services they deserve. I believe I have the qualities of a good leader, and if given the opportunity, I’ll deliver the kind of leadership Kabale needs,” she says.
Reflecting on her political journey, Akunda acknowledges the uphill battles she’s faced.
“It hasn’t been as easy as I thought it would be. There’s been propaganda, stereotyping, and those who believe that a woman cannot contest directly for a constituency seat. But I’m determined to press on. I’m believing God for victory this time,” she says.
Akunda is particularly vocal about the dangers of sectarianism, which she describes as a “political enemy” stalling development. She has called on all stakeholders to confront and reject the vice.
With her eyes on 2026, she says she has built a trustworthy team she believes will guard the vote and ensure transparency. She also urges fellow aspirants to focus on unity rather than animosity.
“If anyone is offering themselves for leadership, they must have a vision. So let us support our preferred candidates peacefully and avoid misleading others,” she appeals.
The race for Kabale District Woman MP is expected to be hotly contested. Akunda joins a growing list of aspirants, including incumbent Catherine Ndamira, Immaculate Kagwa, Enid Origumisiriza, and Trust Kyomugisha.
But for Akunda, it’s not just about competition—it’s about service, vision, and changing perceptions.
“I want to prove that leadership is not about gender but ability,” she says. “The people of Kabale deserve better, and I am ready to give them that.”