Admin
Elma Challa Kapel, former Miss Tourism Uganda and a native of Nakapelimoru Sub-County in Kotido district, has made history as the first Northern Uganda Youth Member of Parliament from the Karamoja Sub-region.
Kapel, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearer was declared the winner of closely watched election, conducted by accredited youth delegates from across Northern Uganda at Mvara Secondary School in Arua City on Wednesday.
She polled 1,245 votes while Wacha Elizabeth Shakira of the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), received 343 votes and Amolo Elizabeth of the Democratic Party (DP) garnered eight votes.
While declaring the results, Juma Shesha, the West Nile Regional Election Officer who supervised the exercise, announced that 1,601 votes had been cast, of which 1,596 were valid while five ballot papers were considered invalid.
Kapel replaces the outgoing Northern Uganda Youth Member of Parliament, Boniface Henry Okot who hails from Akalo Sub –County in Kole District.
In her acceptance speech, Kapel who hails from Kotido district, pledged to lead through consultation, inclusion, and collective action, promising to amplify the voices of young people from Northern Uganda in the 12th Parliament.
She emphasised that her leadership would prioritise meaningful youth participation and effective advocacy, arguing that many previous youth representatives had fallen short of fully representing young people’s interests.
Kapel, describes herself as a dynamic leader, youth advocate, and champion for economic empowerment, dedicated to driving tangible change.
“My leadership is not about empty promises but about action,” she emphasized. “With a strong international and local network, I am well-positioned to bridge gaps and create meaningful opportunities for young people across Northern Uganda.”
Brief Facts About Kapel
Kapel Elma Kapel is a first-born child of the Nakapiripirit Woman Member of Parliament, Esther Anyakun, who doubles as the state Minister for Gender Labour and Social Development in charges of Employment and Industrial Relations. Her father hails from Nakapelimoru sub-county, Kotido district.
She attended Entebbe Christian School for her primary education before joining Buddo Senior Secondary School for her O’ and A Level.
Kapel later joined Ndejje University where she pursues a Diploma in Social Works and Social Administration.
She holds a Master’s degree in Global Logistics, Operations and Supply Chain Management, a First-Class degree in Global Business Management, and a degree in Media and Drama, all obtained from universities in the United Kingdom.
Kapel first rose to national prominence after winning Miss Tourism Uganda 2017, a platform she used to promote Uganda’s tourism, culture, and heritage both locally and internationally.
Sh later transitioned into community development and youth advocacy, working with organisations focused on youth empowerment and leadership development.
