The contest for the National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag for the National Female Youth Member of Parliament has taken a dramatic twist following the unexpected withdrawal of prominent youth leader Atukunda Siyemah from the race.

Siyemah, a vocal advocate for transparency and youth inclusion, announced her exit on Sunday night via her official X (formerly Twitter) account, citing concerns over the integrity of the party's internal processes.

“After extensive reflection and wide consultations, I have made the difficult but necessary decision to withdraw from the race for the position of National Female Youth MP under the NRM ticket,” she posted.

“This is not a sign of defeat but a statement of principle. I cannot in good conscience continue in a process that falls short of the standards we owe to young people.”

Her withdrawal has sent shockwaves through the youth ranks of the NRM, where she was widely considered a frontrunner.

Siyemah's campaign had gained national traction, drawing support from university guild leaders, youth council representatives, and civil society actors who saw her as a credible reformist voice.

A Race Thrown Wide Open

With Siyemah’s exit, the race has been blown wide open, setting the stage for a fierce contest among the remaining six aspirants: Diana Ampaire Kampe, Gold Ikyiriza, Mercy Kanyesigye, Susan Katusiime, Fiona Nakku, and Sandra Sarah Chebet.

Since her entry into the fray, Diana has ramped up her activities on the trail showing her readiness to lead at the top and with most of the aspirants now nominated, they will be looking to hit the ground running as polls for the flag bearer drawing near.

Sources say Nakku has also added steam to the race after making what they call a late entry while Mercy, Ikyiriza and others have established themselves also as people to watch.

Political observers say Siyemah’s departure has shifted the dynamics of the race, opening a scramble among candidates to court her former supporters.

“Siyemah was not just another candidate — she represented a growing demand for accountability and integrity in youth leadership. Her exit is a loss, but it may also galvanize conversations around reform,” a delegate told us.

NRM’s Youth Dilemma

Siyemah’s decision has reignited concerns about the credibility of internal elections in the NRM youth structures.

In her withdrawal statement, she hinted at irregularities, including "transactional politics and the marginalization of independent-minded candidates."

Although she stopped short of naming individuals or providing specific details, her statement has sparked fresh debate about the need for reforms within the party’s electoral framework, particularly for youth and special interest positions.

What Next for Siyemah?

In her statement, Siyemah pledged to remain active in the struggle for meaningful youth representation, hinting at a possible future return to public service.

“My commitment to the Ugandan youth remains steadfast. I will continue to engage, speak, and act wherever my voice and energy can make a difference,” she said.

While her next political move remains unclear, some sources within the party suggest she may explore alternative platforms or pursue a civil society role ahead of the 2026 general elections.

Primaries Set for August 22

The NRM Electoral Commission has scheduled the party primaries for August 22, 2025. Delegates from across the country will converge to elect the party’s official flag bearer for the National Female Youth MP position — a seat that holds significant national visibility and often serves as a launchpad for higher political ambitions.

As the race narrows, the remaining candidates will likely intensify their campaigns in a bid to fill the vacuum left by Siyemah’s departure.

But with growing scrutiny on the integrity of the process, the NRM will have to work harder to ensure credibility — or risk alienating a crucial segment of its youthful base.