Two left in race for National Women Committee chairperson

The race for National Women Committee Chairperson (NWCC) has narrowed to two candidates, with Ann Lumumba Ruyondo of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) set to battle independent candidate Joy Ruth Acheng for the position.

Acheng is Uganda’s ambassador to The Bahamas and previously served as the high commissioner to Canada.

The two candidates vying for the position of chairperson were nominated on September 3, 2026, by the Electoral Commission (EC) district administrator in charge of Kampala district, Benjamin Ewal, at Kyambogo College School in Nakawa division.

The other three NRM candidates, including Agnes Kirabo for vice chairperson, Hope Natukunda for secretary for finance and Shakila Among Mwenyi for publicity secretary, were unopposed.

The outgoing national executive committee members include chairperson  Faridah Kibowa, vice chairperson Linda Auma, secretary for finance Norah Akwi and secretary for publicity Masitula Namatovu. Former Minister of State for Disability Affairs Hellen Asamo represented persons with disabilities on the committee.

The nominated candidates will conduct their campaigns on Friday, September 4, 2026, starting at 8 am, after which polling will take place. Voting will be conducted by secret ballot.

The accreditation of 147 delegates forming the electoral college took place on Thursday, followed by the nomination of candidates.

Ewal explained that the fifth position for a secretary is recommended by the management of the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development. In contrast, a candidate representing people with disabilities, chosen from among the delegates, is also recommended by the body representing persons with disabilities.

Independent candidate Joy Ruth Acheng. Photo by Ronnie Kijjambu

The NRM Electoral Commission officially unveiled its newly elected national flag-bearers this Tuesday following the conclusion of the National Women Council primary elections.

In an official public announcement issued on the NRM online platforms, the party confirmed the candidate line-up that will carry the Movement’s flag in the upcoming National Women Committee elections.

Shortly after the nominations, in an interview with New Vision, the NRM director of finance and administration, Medina Naham Ojale, congratulated all the nominated candidates and urged them to ensure they deliver up to expectations.

Medina outlined the different roles of the National Women Committee, including policy lobbying. Medina explained, “The committee actively lobbies the government for gender-responsive budgeting, legal protections against gender-based violence, and equitable access to justice and health resources.”

Medina said the focus of the NRM Government is to steer the country towards sustainable economic development and growth.

She explained that the National Women’s Committee, operating as the leadership executive of the National Women’s Council (NWC), plays a vital role in Uganda's Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development.

Medina explained that the National Women Committee is a statutory body that serves as the core mechanism for organising, unifying and empowering women across the country, from the grassroots to the national level.

Medina said the women’s committees ensure that women in rural areas have a direct channel to raise their issues with national policymakers.

She explained that the women’s committee acts as a training ground for women’s leadership, helping women build the skills needed to contest broader political seats in Parliament and local government.

Medina added that the women’s council directly coordinates and provides microfinance credit services and skills training tailored to women-led small businesses.

She explained that the women’s committee mobilises grassroots women to benefit from government wealth-creation funds and community development initiatives.

“The greatest legacy of the NRM has been the peace and security we now enjoy, thanks to the dedicated people of Uganda,” she said.