Diana Ampaire Kampe, an energetic and passionate aspirant for the position of National Female Youth Member of Parliament in the upcoming general elections, has vowed to fight youth unemployment and promote empowerment across Uganda.
While addressing a group of youth leaders last week on Friday at Padibe town council in Lamwo district, Ampaire pledged to work hand-in-hand with the government and development partners to ensure young people are not left behind in national development.
“I am not coming to Parliament to make empty promises. I am coming with a mission to represent you with action, not just words,” she told the gathering.
“If elected, I will prioritize initiatives that directly benefit young people through job creation, vocational training, access to government funding, and support for innovation.”
Pledging support for youth initiatives
Ampaire committed to lobbying for increased funding for government youth programs such as the Youth Livelihood Programme (YLP) and the Parish Development Model (PDM).
She also promised to advocate for the establishment of more youth-led enterprises and vocational training centers, especially in underserved districts like Lamwo.
She emphasized the need to revamp youth councils and strengthen the voice of young people in national policy making.
“We must rise above division and focus on what unites us,” she added. “If we build each other, we build our future. My office, if entrusted with your vote, will always be open to every young person, across every district and region.”
Youth leaders welcome her agenda
Her remarks were received with enthusiasm by local youth leaders, who hailed her message as realistic and timely.
Mwaka Bosco, youth chairperson of Padibe town council, said: “Many of our youth are jobless not because they lack ideas, but because they lack support. Diana’s focus on job creation and skill empowerment gives us hope. We want leaders who understand our struggles and are willing to walk the talk.”
Alobo Scovia, a youth leader from Padibe sub-county, added: “We’ve been left out of decision-making for too long. Strengthening youth councils and making them functional is a step in the right direction. Diana is giving us the assurance that we shall not be forgotten anymore.”
David Onen, a youth entrepreneur from Lamwo, expressed optimism: “Access to startup capital has been a nightmare for many of us. If she can lobby for that and ensure the funds reach the intended beneficiaries, she will surely make a difference.”
Understanding the role of the national female youth MP
The National Female Youth Member of Parliament is one of five youth MPs elected to represent Uganda’s young people at the national level. This position specifically advocates for the rights, needs, and aspirations of young women aged 18–30 years.
The MP’s responsibilities include policy advocacy, promoting youth-friendly laws and policies in education, employment, health, and entrepreneurship.
Youth empowerment: supporting skills development, innovation, and youth-led initiatives.
Oversight: Monitoring implementation of youth-targeted government programs like YLP, Emyooga, and PDM. Representation: Acting as a national voice for young women in Parliament and engagement.
Collaborating with youth councils, civil society, and public institutions to ensure youth participation in decision-making.
Youth demographics and unemployment in Uganda
Uganda has one of the youngest populations globally, with over 75% of citizens below the age of 30. According to UBOS and UNFPA, around 22% of the population falls within the official youth bracket (18–30 years).
However, youth unemployment remains a major challenge including Youth unemployment is estimated at 13.3%, with informal work and underemployment even higher.
Over 1 million youth enter the labor market each year, but only a small portion secure formal employment. Nearly 41% of young people are not in employment, education, or training (NEET), a statistic particularly severe among young women in rural areas.
The gender gap is stark, with young women disproportionately affected by unemployment, limited access to credit, and exclusion from economic and leadership spaces. This reality underscores the critical need for strong female representation in Parliament.
As the 2026 election campaigns intensify, Diana Ampaire Kampe’s message of youth empowerment, inclusive leadership, and job creation is gaining momentum among young Ugandans eager for real change.
Her approach rooted in practical solutions and grassroots engagement may position her as one of the most promising voices for the youth at the national level.
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