EDITOR
Honorable Mary Paula Turyahikayo, the aspiring Woman Member of Parliament for Rukungiri District, has today strongly rejected the baseless propaganda being spread by her political rivals, claiming that she is too old to effectively represent the people of Rukungiri in the 2026-2031 parliamentary term.
The smear campaign, reportedly led by a team associated with the incumbent Woman MP, Honorable Natukunda Medias Kaharata, has drawn sharp criticism from Hon. Paula, who describes the attacks as a clear sign of weakness and desperation by her opponents.
Speaking live on Ishaazi radio show broadcast on Boona FM this morning, Hon. Paula said, “This is not the first time I am serving the people of Rukungiri in Parliament. I was once the elected Member of Parliament for Rubabo County in this very district. To insinuate that I am unfit because of my age or marital status is not only misleading but disrespectful to the voters and my record.”
She went on to emphasize that many honorable MPs currently serving in Uganda’s 11th Parliament are older than she is, yet they continue to passionately lobby and serve their constituents. “Age is just a number. It is about commitment, experience, and the ability to deliver tangible results. Sadly, some young MPs choose to rely on propaganda rather than presenting their manifestos and achievements to voters,” she noted.
According to the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, any Ugandan citizen qualified to vote and aged 18 years and above is eligible to stand for elective office. Article 80 of the Constitution explicitly guarantees every Ugandan the right to stand for elections anywhere in the country, regardless of their marital status or age (provided they meet the minimum age requirement). The law does not discriminate based on such personal matters.
Furthermore, the Parliamentary Elections Act outlines that a Woman MP candidate must be a Ugandan citizen, have attained the age of 18, and meet other requirements such as being a registered voter.
Hon. Paula, born in Kilimbe Nyakishenyi sub-county, Rukungiri district, pointed to numerous women parliamentarians who represent constituencies based on their places of birth or roots, not necessarily where they reside or are married, including the first lady, Janet Kataha Museveni, who once represented Ruhama County, her place of birth.
Addressing the public, Hon. Paula urged her rivals to shift their energy from personal attacks to sharing concrete achievements. “The people of Rukungiri deserve leaders who deliver development and hope. During my tenure as the Member of Parliament for Rubabo County, I contributed to several developmental projects, including improvements in education, healthcare, and infrastructure. What tangible achievements have the propagandists brought forward to the people?” she challenged.
She advised voters to “isolate themselves from political parasites who rely on propaganda and blackmail rather than service.”We want leaders who can give, not those who only take by tarnishing reputations.”
Hon. Paula concluded by reaffirming her commitment to serve all people of Rukungiri with dignity and integrity. “I am ready and fully capable to represent you in Parliament. I encourage every voter to focus on the issues that matter—development, unity, and progress — rather than falling for baseless attacks.”
