Former Miss Tourism Uganda 2017, Challa Elma Kapel, has officially announced her candidacy for the position of Youth Member of Parliament for Northern Uganda in the upcoming general elections. The 27-year-old is set to contest under the National Resistance Movement (NRM) ticket, citing her background in beauty pageantry as a foundation for her leadership ambitions.
From Beauty Queen to Politician
Elma believes that her experience in beauty contests has shaped her competitive spirit and commitment to service, qualities she deems essential in political leadership.
“The beauty contests of my youth instilled a competitive spirit in me. After serving my tenure as Miss Tourism Uganda, I developed skills necessary for political achievement. I believe the time to serve on a higher pedestal is now,” she said.
During her reign as Miss Tourism Uganda, Elma engaged in several initiatives, including tree planting with former Speaker of Parliament Hon. Rebecca Kadaga, which later inspired the “Go Green Karamoja” project. She recalls Kadaga encouraging her to pursue leadership roles in the future, a sentiment that fueled her political ambitions.
A Vision for Change
Elma describes herself as a dynamic leader and youth advocate committed to economic empowerment. She aims to amplify youth voices and create sustainable opportunities for young people across Northern Uganda.
“I am not a politician of empty promises but an action-driven leader. My leadership is defined by adaptability, energy, and a commitment to transforming ideas into tangible results,” she emphasized.
With an extensive local and international network, Elma is confident in her ability to bridge gaps and create meaningful opportunities for young people in the region.
Background and Education
Born in Kotido District, Elma comes from a diverse Karamoja background, with her father hailing from Nakapelimoru, Kotido District, and her mother from Nakapiripirit. Growing up in one of Uganda’s least developed regions has given her a firsthand understanding of the challenges facing youth in Northern Uganda.
Academically, Elma has distinguished herself with impressive credentials:
- MSc in Global Logistics, Operations, and Supply Chain Management (Ongoing) – Northumbria University, UK
- First-Class BA in Global Business Management—University of Northampton, UK
- BA in Media and Drama—Cardiff Metropolitan University, UK
- Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education—Buddo Secondary School
Leadership and Professional Experience
Elma has actively worked to uplift young people through various platforms, advocating for education, entrepreneurship, and cultural preservation.
She previously served as:
- Miss Tourism Uganda (2017–2018), where she promoted Uganda’s cultural heritage and tourism sector.
- Country representative for the Ateker International Development Organisation (AIDO), advocating for cultural preservation and community development among the Ateker people.
- Program Officer at the International Organization for Migration (IOM), contributing to immigration and governance projects with a focus on youth inclusion in economic development.
Key Focus Areas
As an aspiring Youth MP for Northern Uganda, Elma is committed to championing policies that empower young people. Her key focus areas include:
- Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship – Promoting innovation and skill development to create sustainable job opportunities.
- Education and Vocational Training – Advocating for improved access to quality education and vocational training.
- Civic Engagement and Leadership – Encouraging youth participation in governance and decision-making processes.
- Tourism and Cultural Development – Leveraging Uganda’s rich cultural heritage to drive economic growth.
To the youth of Northern Uganda, Elma sends a powerful message: “This is not about politics. This is about leadership that delivers real results. Together, we can build a future where every young person in Northern Uganda has access to opportunities.”
With her strong track record and commitment to youth empowerment, Challa Elma Kapel is poised to make a significant impact in the political landscape of Northern Uganda.