Kabugho Marylin Joins Race as Battle for National Women’s Council Top Seat Intensifies

KAMPALA — The race for the chairperson of Uganda’s National Women’s Council has widened to five candidates, with Marylin Kabugho Mary emerging as the latest contender in an increasingly competitive contest.

Kabugho’s campaign materials indicate that she is seeking to lead the council for the 2026–2031 term, adding another high-profile name to a race that already includes Ann Ruyondo, Irene Adokorach, Kabakumba Matsiko and incumbent Hajjat Kimbowa Faridah.

Her campaign message centres on “Empowering Women. Transforming Communities. Building a Prosperous Uganda,” with emphasis on women’s empowerment, welfare and protection, education and capacity building, health and wellness, as well as partnerships and advocacy.

The emergence of Kabugho adds another dimension to a contest that has already generated significant political interest among women leaders and their networks across the country.

Kimbowa Faridah, the incumbent, is seeking another term, while Ruyondo, Adokorach and Matsiko are positioning themselves as alternatives for the leadership of the national women’s structure.

The campaigns are increasingly playing out beyond conventional mobilisation.

WhatsApp groups have become a major battleground, with supporters of different candidates circulating campaign posters, profiles, endorsements and arguments designed to persuade delegates and other influential women leaders.

The digital campaign has created a highly competitive environment in which each camp is attempting to demonstrate that its candidate has the experience, grassroots connections and leadership credentials required to head the council.

Kabugho pitches empowerment and service

Kabugho’s campaign appears designed to present her as a candidate focused on practical interventions affecting women and girls.

Her platform highlights economic independence and leadership, protection and wellbeing, investment in education and mentorship, access to healthcare and mental wellness, and stronger partnerships to influence policies on gender equality.

These priorities place her campaign within the broader mandate of the National Women’s Council, a statutory body established to organise, mobilise and represent women in Uganda’s social, political and economic development.

The Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development describes the council as a structure through which women are organised and represented from the grassroots to the national level. �

Prime Minister’s Office

A race being fought online and on the ground

With five candidates now in the race, the contest is likely to become even more intense as campaigns seek to consolidate support ahead of the final vote.

For supporters, WhatsApp has effectively become the campaign headquarters, providing a direct channel to circulate messages and build momentum around individual candidates.

But the growing online campaign also means that the candidates face the challenge of converting digital enthusiasm into actual support among the women leaders and delegates who will determine the eventual winner.

With Kimbowa seeking to defend her position and four challengers pushing for change, the 2026–2031 National Women’s Council chairperson race is shaping up as a closely watched contest within Uganda’s women’s political leadership.