Former Miss Tourism Uganda 2017 Elma Challa Kapel has since set her sights on a new crown: the Northern region Youth Member of Parliament seat. The 27-year-old beauty queen-turned-politician has thrown her hat into the ring in the upcoming general elections on the National Resistance Movement (NRM) ticket. Having a background in beauty pageants, youth advocacy, and community development, Kapel believes that she has the potential to bring a positive change to Northern Uganda.
The move into politics from the world of beauty pageants was a natural one for Kapel.

“The beauty contests of my youth instilled a competitive spirit in me,” she said. “Having completed my term as Miss Tourism Uganda, I acquired useful skills which I think are required for political success. I think the time to serve from a higher level is now.” Being Miss Tourism Uganda not only honed her leadership skills but also exposed her to influential individuals, including former Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Rebecca Kadaga. Kapel recalled a special meeting with Kadaga during the launch of the ‘Go Green Karamoja’ project. “I was privileged to plant trees alongside Hon. Rebecca Kadaga. She told me that I possessed the qualities of a leader and could fit into a higher role in the future,” she added. Her passion for youth work has been increased, along with her being encouraged by Kadaga’s words. She describes herself as a dynamic leader, youth advocate, and champion of economic empowerment, who is committed to creating actual change.

“Armed with a strong background in community development, entrepreneurship, tourism, and governance, I have centered my career around advocating the voice of the youth and building sustainable opportunities for them in Uganda,” she added.

Kapel emphasized that she is a doer and not just a talker, as she explained, “I am not a politician of empty promises but a leader marked by flexibility, dynamism, and a desire to translate ideas into concrete action.” From a very heterogeneous background in Kotido District, Kapel’s family roots run deep. She is from Nakapiripirit and Nakapelimoru, both located in Karamoja, by her parents. Having grown up in one of the poorest parts of Uganda, Kapel is familiar with the challenges that face the youths in Northern Uganda. It is this experience of life that has shaped her idea for Northern Uganda and the commitment to creating space for the youth. Kapel’s academic qualifications also underscore her readiness for the role.

She is pursuing a Master’s in Global Logistics, Operations, and Supply Chain Management at Northumbria University in the UK. She holds a First-Class degree in Global Business Management from the University of Northampton and a Bachelor’s degree in Media and Drama from Cardiff Metropolitan University. Her academic experience, together with her working history, makes her a rounded candidate who can effectively tackle the sophisticated problems that affect Northern Uganda’s youth. Kapel began her leadership journey at the age of 19 when she served as the national tourism ambassador during her tenure as Miss Tourism Uganda 2017-2018. As an ambassador, she promoted Uganda’s cultural heritage and tourism sector locally and internationally. She also represented Uganda as the country representative for the Ateker International Development Organisation (AIDO) and advocated for cultural preservation and community development among the Ateker diaspora.

Her professional experience entails being the Program Officer for the International Organization for Migration (IOM), where she was engaged in immigration and governance projects with a focus on youth engagement in economic development. These experiences have equipped Kapel with the expertise and knowledge necessary to address challenges among young people in Northern Uganda. As a candidate for Youth MP, Kapel is committed to advocating for policies that will empower young people in the region. “My top priority will be youth employment and entrepreneurship. I will advocate for innovation and skills development to make sure young people have sustainable employment opportunities,” she said. Kapel will also advocate for improved access to quality education and vocational training, as well as increased civic engagement and leadership.

One of Kapel’s top priorities is leveraging Uganda’s abundant cultural heritage to spur economic growth through cultural and tourism growth. Kapel believes that through the promotion of cultural tourism, Northern Uganda is able to find new opportunities for the youth without losing its customs. Elma Kapel’s candidacy is a fresh face in Ugandan politics. Her blend of beauty pageantry experience, academic excellence, and career achievements makes her an intriguing candidate for the Youth MP seat. Her commitment to action leadership and youth mobilization separates her from established politicians.

Overall, Elma Kapel’s candidacy for the Northern Youth MP seat is a bold and motivational move. Her own journey from beauty queen to politician is a testament to her determination to act on behalf of youth and change their lives. With her vision, talent, and passion, Kapel is poised to bring positive change to Northern Uganda. As election day approaches, all eyes will be on this trailblazing young leader as she campaigns on the promise of bringing her visions to reality. The future of youth in Northern Uganda may just lie with it.