In the rolling green hills of Kabale, a quiet political storm is brewing. Grace Akunda Bwesigye, a determined demographer and former NRM flagbearer, is making waves as she campaigns for the Kabale District Woman MP seat in the 2026 general elections. This isn’t her first attempt at politics, but it might just be her most compelling one yet. With deep roots in the community, a wealth of professional experience, and an unshakable belief in her ability to lead, Akunda is proving that persistence in politics can be just as powerful as popularity.

Born on May 5, 1975, in Nyabushabi village to the late Rev. Solomon Bekunda and Loi Bekunda, Akunda grew up understanding the value of service. Her journey from local schools in Kabale to Makerere University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences and a Master’s in Demography, laid the foundation for a career that would later blend grassroots work with institutional leadership. Further studies in Human Resource Management and counseling only sharpened her ability to connect with people—a skill she now brings to the political arena.

Akunda’s professional background reads like a roadmap of service. She started as a research assistant and data entrant at the Diocese of Kigezi’s Compassion International office, where she saw firsthand the struggles of her community. Later, she took on roles as a project administrator at All Saints Cathedral in Kampala, worked with UGAFODE, and coordinated trainings for Local Council III courts across the country at the Internal Law Institute. These experiences didn’t just build her resume—they shaped her understanding of governance, policy, and the gaps that exist between leaders and the people they serve.

Her first major foray into politics came in 2016 when she contested as the NRM flagbearer for Ndorwa East County. It was a bold move, especially as the only woman in a male-dominated race. Though she lost to incumbent MP Wilfred Niwagaba, the experience didn’t discourage her. Instead, it fueled her resolve. “I’m well-versed with the Kigezi terrain,” she says. “I was born here, I’ve worked here, and I’ve led here. I understand the challenges our people face, and I’m confident I can represent them effectively.”

What drives Akunda isn’t personal ambition but frustration with the neglect she sees in her community. “I felt the need to advocate for my people so they can receive the services they deserve,” she explains. “I believe I have the qualities of a good leader, and if given the opportunity, I’ll deliver the kind of leadership Kabale needs.” Her campaign isn’t built on empty promises but on a track record of service and a clear vision for development.

Yet, the road hasn’t been easy. Akunda openly acknowledges the challenges she’s faced—propaganda, stereotyping, and the pervasive belief that women shouldn’t compete directly for constituency seats. “It hasn’t been as easy as I thought it would be,” she admits. “But I’m determined to press on. I’m believing God for victory this time.” Her resilience in the face of these obstacles speaks volumes about her character and her commitment to breaking barriers in Ugandan politics.

One of her strongest messages is a call to reject sectarianism, which she describes as a “political enemy” that stalls progress. In a region where tribal and political divisions sometimes overshadow development, Akunda’s plea for unity stands out. She urges fellow aspirants and voters alike to focus on issues rather than divisions. “If anyone is offering themselves for leadership, they must have a vision,” she says. “So let us support our preferred candidates peacefully and avoid misleading others.”

As the 2026 elections draw closer, the race for Kabale District Woman MP is heating up. Akunda faces stiff competition, including incumbent Catherine Ndamira, Immaculate Kagwa, Enid Origumisiriza, and Trust Kyomugisha. But for her, this isn’t just about winning a seat—it’s about proving that leadership is about ability, not gender. “I want to show that a woman can lead just as effectively as any man,” she asserts. “The people of Kabale deserve better, and I am ready to give them that.”

What sets Akunda apart is her authenticity. She isn’t a career politician chasing power; she’s a community advocate chasing change. Her campaign is built on door-to-door engagements, listening to voters, and addressing their concerns directly. In a political landscape often dominated by rhetoric and empty gestures, her approach is refreshingly hands-on.

Whether she wins or not, Grace Akunda’s story is already a testament to the power of perseverance. She represents a growing wave of Ugandan women who refuse to be sidelined in politics, who believe that leadership should be earned through service, not inherited or bought. And as her knock on voters’ doors grows louder, Kabale may just find that it’s time to answer.

The 2026 elections will tell whether her message has been heard, but one thing is certain: Grace Akunda is a name that won’t be easily forgotten in Kabale’s political future.