Tumwebaze Mwine: The Lawyer Championing Youth Voices in Western Uganda

In the heart of Western Uganda, a young lawyer with roots in both Ankole and Bunyoro is emerging as a passionate voice for youth empowerment. Tumwebaze Mwine, a native of Mbarara with deep familial ties to Ibanda and Masindi, has declared his intention to run for Youth Member of Parliament representing the Western region—carrying with him a bold agenda rooted in justice, inclusion, and transformative leadership.

Born and raised in the bustling city of Mbarara, Mwine’s upbringing straddled cultures and districts, giving him a unique perspective on the diverse needs of Uganda’s youth. “My mother is a Munyoro from Masindi, and my father’s lineage traces back to Ibanda,” he shares. “This heritage has instilled in me a commitment to unite and uplift all young people across Western Uganda.”

A product of Uganda’s education system, Mwine’s academic path speaks to his determination and drive. He attended Budo Junior School before joining Mbarara High School, where he first nurtured his leadership skills. Later, he enrolled at Makerere University for a Bachelor of Laws degree and completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Centre. Along the way, he benefited from a government scholarship—an experience that fuels his current advocacy for expanding access to higher education.

As a practicing lawyer, Mwine has built a reputation for defending the rights of the marginalized and promoting fairness and opportunity. Now, he hopes to take that passion to Parliament.

“Youth in this region are resilient, innovative, and full of potential,” he says. “But they face obstacles like unemployment, limited access to education, and insufficient platforms for entrepreneurship. My vision is to bridge those gaps.”

If elected, Mwine pledges to champion education reforms by expanding government scholarships and pushing for the overhaul of the Higher Education Students’ Financing Board (HESFB), proposing lower interest rates and more inclusive eligibility criteria. He also envisions a new wave of vocational training modernization, bringing tech-focused skills such as coding and renewable energy to the forefront of youth development.

Beyond education, his campaign is anchored in economic empowerment. He proposes the establishment of youth innovation hubs across the Western region to incubate agritech, digital, and creative start-ups. “These hubs will provide mentorship, workspace, and market access—directly creating jobs and indirectly fueling local economies,” he explains.

Mwine is also passionate about youth health and well-being. He intends to lobby for wellness corners in regional health centers focused on mental health, reproductive health, and substance abuse prevention. He promises to push for clean water access in schools and rural trading centers, citing sanitation as a crucial determinant of education continuity and dignity.

A proud supporter of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), Mwine credits Uganda’s progress under President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni while asserting there’s room to do more. “We’ve come far, but the foundation needs building upon—especially where youth are concerned,” he says.