Former Miss Tourism Uganda Elma Kapel Announces Bid for Youth MP Seat

Former Miss Tourism Uganda 2017, Challa Elma Kapel, has declared her candidacy for the Youth Member of Parliament for Northern Uganda in the upcoming general elections.

At just 27, Kapel is set to contest under the National Resistance Movement (NRM) ticket, bringing a fresh and dynamic perspective to youth leadership in the region.

Kapel, who made her mark in Uganda’s tourism and cultural advocacy space, believes her pageantry background instilled in her the competitive edge and service-driven mindset needed in politics.

"The beauty contests of my youth instilled a competitive spirit in me. After serving my tenure as Miss Tourism Uganda, I developed skills essential for political achievement. I believe the time to serve on a higher pedestal is now," she said.

Her inspiration to enter politics was reinforced during her reign when she worked alongside prominent leaders, including former Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Rebecca Kadaga.

"I did tree planting with the former Speaker, which marked the beginning of the 'Go Green Karamoja' project. She once told me that I had the hallmarks of a good leader and could serve in a bigger office one day," Kapel revealed.

Kapel describes herself as a youth advocate, economic empowerment champion, and a dynamic leader committed to driving tangible change.

"I am not a politician of empty promises but an action-driven leader. My leadership is defined by adaptability, energy, and a commitment to transforming ideas into tangible results. With my strong international and local network, I am well-positioned to bridge gaps and create meaningful opportunities for young people across Northern Uganda," she affirmed.

Her campaign is centered on youth employment, entrepreneurship, access to quality education, civic engagement, and leveraging Uganda’s cultural heritage for economic growth. She aims to create sustainable job opportunities by promoting innovation and skill development among young people.

"This is not just about politics. This is about leadership that delivers real results. Together, we can build a future where every young person in Northern Uganda has access to opportunities," she pledged.

Born in Kotido District, Kapel hails from the Karamoja region, where she experienced firsthand the challenges young people face in some of Uganda’s least developed areas. Her academic credentials reflect a global perspective on business, leadership, and governance, with degrees from top international institutions, including:

MSc in Global Logistics, Operations, and Supply Chain Management (Ongoing) – Northumbria University, UK
First-Class BA in Global Business Management – University of Northampton, UK
BA in Media and Drama – Cardiff Metropolitan University, UK
Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education – Buddo Secondary School

Kapel has worked extensively in community development, entrepreneurship, and cultural advocacy, using her platforms to uplift young people.

She served as Miss Tourism Uganda 2017–2018, promoting Uganda’s cultural heritage and tourism sector. She was also the Country Representative for the Ateker International Development Organisation (AIDO), advocating for cultural preservation and community development, and a Program Officer at the International Organization for Migration (IOM), contributing to youth inclusion in economic development projects.

With a strong message of action-driven leadership, economic empowerment, and youth inclusion, Kapel is making a bold statement: she is ready to lead