Why Andrew Bbaale is Betting on the Youth Vote for 2026.

By Andrew Bbaale 

KAMPALA — As the 2026 regional youth parliamentary elections approach, Andrew Bbaale has emerged as a key contender for the Central Region seat. A professional educator and a member of the Mutima clan, Bbaale’s roots trace back to Buwama Town Council in Mpigi District. His academic journey, which began at National Teachers College Kabale and culminated at Makerere University, laid the foundation for a career dedicated to ICT, Economics, and Entrepreneurship education.

A Career Defined by International Leadership

Bbaale’s professional portfolio spans prestigious institutions both in Uganda and abroad. Notably, he has taught at St. Mary’s Kitende and Hope Boarding Secondary School Lutembe. His most recent role was serving as the Headmaster of Ashwood Comprehensive School in the Central Equatorial State of South Sudan.

Colleagues note that Bbaale recently resigned from this international post to focus on his parliamentary bid, a move his supporters cite as evidence of his integrity and commitment to service. His experience managing diverse student populations in post-conflict zones like South Sudan is being highlighted as a primary qualification for leading the youth of the Central Region.

Bbaale’s leadership history is extensive, dating back to his time as a "Mobilizer" for Kenyatta House in high school and a Finance Minister at NTC Kabale. Beyond the classroom, his community engagement includes:

• Philanthropy: Securing 4,500 menstrual kits for schoolgirls in Central Africa to combat absenteeism.

• Cultural Advocacy: Supporting the Buganda Kingdom through the "Oluwalo" initiative and serving as an advisor to the Nkobazambogo Kigezi region.

• Environmental & Social Work: Leading tree-planting drives and spearheading community cleanup efforts in war-affected areas.

Representing the Democratic Party (DP), Bbaale’s platform is built on the premise that Uganda’s youth—who according to the 2024 UBOS report make up 73% of the population—are currently underrepresented in the "August House."

"It is a mathematical injustice that a population this large is represented by only five Youth MPs," Bbaale stated, noting that Buganda’s 27 districts are currently served by a single representative.

1. Economic Reform & Minimum Wage: Bbaale intends to reintroduce the Minimum Wage Bill, advocating for a base salary of at least $300 USD for professional workers to counter the rising cost of living.

2. Credit Access for Young Entrepreneurs: He proposes a shift in lending policies where youth can access capital using only an LC1 letter and a guardian’s signature as security, with interest rates capped at 5% and a repayment grace period of 3 to 5 years.

3. Digital Inclusion: Identifying internet access as a right for the modern student, he is lobbying for nationwide free Wi-Fi and subsidized gadgets to bolster research and the "gig economy."

4. Talent Export & Scouting: Bbaale plans to establish a network of global scouts, similar to those in the English Premier League, to help Ugandan athletes and artists monetize their natural talents on an international stage.

5. Constitutional Amendments: He calls for a redistricting of constituencies based on a 200,000-person threshold. He argues this would naturally increase youth seats to 225 without bloating the national budget, by consolidating smaller, underpopulated constituencies.

The race for the Central Region Youth MP seat features eight candidates. As an "Ambitious Democrat," Bbaale’s campaign emphasizes a leadership style that transcends religious, tribal, and political lines. He argues that the challenges facing the youth—unemployment, lack of capital, and limited representation—do not discriminate based on affiliation.

With the electoral college set to vote on January 28, 2026, Bbaale is positioning himself as the candidate of "exposure," leaning on his history of lobbying international agencies like the UN to bring resources back to the Central Region.