Meet the Two District Chairpersons at the East Africa Benchmarking Mission under MP Connect
Bwayo and Owiny Represent Local Government on East Africa MP Connect Mission
By Our Reporter
NATIONAL
Over 20 dynamic, young, and ambitious leaders are currently participating in a benchmarking and learning mission across East Africa under the MP Connect Programme.
The diplomatic and peer-learning engagement is being conducted under the umbrella of the MP Connect Fellowship, an initiative organized by Faraja Africa. The programme is specifically designed to equip young and dynamic leaders with the skills and knowledge needed to strengthen their legislative capacity, refine parliamentary practices, expand strategic networks, and promote cross-border cooperation within the East African Community (EAC).
Among the distinguished participants are two district chairpersons: Bwayo Emma, Chairperson LC5 of Namisindwa District, and Bob Owiny, Chairperson LC5 of Soroti District.
Their selection is not a surprise. Both leaders are products of youth leadership structures and platforms through which they gained substantial knowledge, experience, mentorship, and exposure. Over the years, they have been nurtured and mentored by experienced leaders and organizations in their respective regions.
Bob Owiny previously served as a District Youth Councillor for Soroti District for two terms. He also served as Deputy Speaker and later Speaker of the Soroti District Youth Council during the 2016–2020 and 2021–2026 terms, respectively.
He has benefited from mentorship and leadership development opportunities through various youth programmes, including initiatives supported by Faraja Africa. His journey through youth leadership structures has provided him with valuable experience in governance, representation, advocacy, and community mobilization.
Bwayo Emma is also a strong product and advocate of youth leadership platforms. He entered youth politics in 2015 as the Sub-county Youth Chairperson for Namabya Sub-county in Namisindwa.
In the 2021–2026 term, he was elected as a Youth Councillor, and in 2026–2030, he became the Chairperson LC5 of Namisindwa District.
Bwayo is also a pioneer member of the EU Youth Sounding Board, a former Speaker of the 3rd Eastern Region Youth Parliament, and has twice served as a national delegate to the Youth Parliament.
His progression through various youth leadership structures has given him extensive experience in youth advocacy, governance, public engagement, and leadership.
The growth of both leaders through the ranks of youth leadership structures has positioned them at a different level of experience among their peers. Their ability to mobilize communities, engage different stakeholders, and adapt to changing circumstances has also contributed to their leadership journeys.
Both leaders have expressed gratitude to Faraja Africa for the opportunity to participate in the benchmarking mission, with particular appreciation to Executive Director Wabwire, who they acknowledge for his continued guidance, mentorship, and efforts to create opportunities for young leaders.
Faraja Africa has also planned structured training and knowledge-sharing sessions for other youth leaders following the participants’ return from the benchmarking mission. This is expected to allow the knowledge and experiences gained during the trip to benefit a wider network of young leaders.
Most of the leaders participating in the mission are under the age of 35, reflecting the growing role of young people in leadership, governance, and regional cooperation.
Among the participants are regional and national Youth MPs, including Samuel Bigira of the Central Region and Dr. Wanyama Judas of the Eastern Region; Hon. Benson Lugwar, MP for Agago North; Hon. Okoth Boniface, MP for Kole South and former MP representing Northern Uganda; Brian Besta Kapyagon, MP-elect for Kongo’Asis County in Bukwo District; Hon. Abdu Swaibu Kampanya, MP for Iki-Iki Constituency in Budaka; Bob Owiny, Chairperson LC5 of Soroti District and a graduate of youth leadership structures; Bwayo Emma, Chairperson LC5 of Namisindwa District and a long-time youth advocate; Hon. Khalayi Peace, Woman Member of Parliament for Namisindwa and one of the youngest MPs; Daniel Ongom, National Youth Council Chairperson; and Hon. Hajji Abdul Bisaso, Member of Parliament for Kassanda South.
The mission provides an important platform for these young leaders to exchange experiences, learn from governance and parliamentary systems across East Africa, strengthen professional networks, and explore opportunities for greater regional cooperation.
