Finally: Nakku Fiona Bows Out After NRM Disqualification, Endorses Ikyiriza Gold For Female Youth MP

By Our Reporter

The race for the National Female Youth Member of Parliament under the National Resistance Movement (NRM) has taken a new twist after Ms. Nakku Fiona allegedly withdrew her bid and declared support for fellow contender, Ms. Gold Ikyiriza.

Ms. Nakku, who was earlier disqualified by the NRM Electoral Commission on grounds of age, had positioned herself as a formidable candidate with considerable grassroots support. However, following a court decision yesterday that upheld her disqualification, she has now urged her delegates and supporters to rally behind Ms. Ikyiriza.

According to sources within Nakku’s camp, she has already begun reaching out to delegates who were set to vote for her, advising them to instead back Ms. Ikyiriza, whom she described as the right candidate to represent the youth.

Ms. Ikyiriza, a former Vice President of the Uganda National Students’ Association (UNSA), is seeking to become the NRM flag bearer for the National Female Youth MP slot in the 2026 general elections. She has campaigned on a platform of youth empowerment, emphasizing the need for structural reforms to address challenges facing young people.

“I believe the time has come for us to have a standalone Youth Ministry that is fully committed to addressing the challenges affecting young people in Uganda,” Ms. Ikyiriza vows. “Our voices deserve to be heard at the highest levels of government.”

Her agenda also includes championing the girl child, with a commitment to improving access to education, curbing gender-based violence, and expanding leadership opportunities for young women.

“I am running to represent all young people, but I carry a special commitment to ensuring that no girl is left behind. We must build a society where girls are safe, educated, and empowered to lead,” she adds.

Ms. Ikyiriza has represented Uganda on several international platforms, including the Global Gateway Youth Event in Brussels, where she engaged in discussions on youth participation and leadership.

With Nakku’s endorsement, political observers say Ms. Ikyiriza’s chances in the upcoming NRM primaries could be significantly boosted, as the race to represent Uganda’s female youth at the national level intensifies.