In the heart of Kamuli district, a rising voice is making waves. Noet Nangobi, a dynamic and passionate advocate for her community, has set her sights on becoming the next Member of Parliament. This interview delves into Noet’s vision for Kamuli, exploring her motivations, her plans to address the district’s most pressing challenges, and her experiences navigating the often-complex world of Ugandan politics as a young, ambitious woman.
What motivated you to run for Member of Parliament for Kamuli at this time? What unique perspectives do you believe you bring to the table as a young, female candidate?
Thank you for the question. What motivated me to run for Member of Parliament for Kamuli at this time is a deep love for my community and a strong desire to see real, lasting change. I have seen the challenges our people face—limited access to quality healthcare, unemployment among the youth, poor road networks, and insufficient support for women and farmers. I could not sit back any longer. I believe now is the time for bold, fresh leadership that listens, understands, and acts.
Kamuli faces many challenges. What are the top three issues you believe need urgent attention, and how do you plan to address them?
Kamuli indeed faces several pressing challenges, but the three that need urgent attention are unemployment among the youth, poor infrastructure, and inadequate healthcare.
First, youth unemployment is a crisis. Many young people have completed school but are sitting at home with no jobs or capital to start something of their own. I plan to push for government-backed youth empowerment programmes, including vocational training, entrepreneurship hubs, and access to soft loans for startups. Our young people are talented—they just need the opportunity.
Second, our roads and transport networks are in poor condition, making it hard for farmers to access markets, for patients to reach health centres, and for students to get to school. I will work closely with local leaders and national ministries to ensure that Kamuli gets its fair share of infrastructure development—especially in rural areas that have long been ignored.
Third, healthcare in Kamuli is still far below standard. We lack enough health workers, essential drugs, and well-equipped facilities. I will advocate for increased health funding, regular drug supply, and improved working conditions for health workers. Our people deserve to be treated with dignity when they fall sick.
I am committed to listening to the people and pushing for real solutions—not just promises. Kamuli deserves better, and I am ready to fight for it.
Many people are disillusioned with politics. How do you plan to build trust with the electorate and demonstrate that you are a different kind of leader?
I understand why many people are disillusioned with politics—because they’ve been promised so much and delivered so little. That’s why I’m not here to make empty promises. I’m here to do things differently.
First, I plan to build trust by being present. I will not disappear after elections. I will stay engaged with the community through regular meetings, open forums, and feedback channels. Leadership must be seen and felt—not just during campaigns, but every day.
Second, I believe in transparency and accountability. I will involve the people of Kamuli in decision-making, and I will report back to the community about how resources are used and what progress is being made. Our people deserve to know what’s happening with their taxes and their future.
Lastly, I will lead by example. I will serve with integrity, humility, and respect for every person, regardless of their background or status. I am not standing as a candidate to gain power—I am standing to serve.
The time for politics of empty words is over. Kamuli needs action, unity, and leadership that listens. That’s the kind of leader I promise to be.
What specific experiences in your life – personal, professional, or otherwise – have prepared you for the responsibilities of being a Member of Parliament?
Throughout my life, both personal and professional experiences have equipped me with the skills and perspective needed to serve as a Member of Parliament for Kamuli.
First, growing up in Kamuli has given me a deep understanding of the struggles our people face daily. I’ve seen firsthand the challenges in education, healthcare, and employment. This personal experience has driven my passion for bringing change to our district.
Professionally, I have worked with community-based organisations and local leaders on projects aimed at empowering youth and women. In these roles, I gained hands-on experience in planning, budgeting, and implementing projects that directly impact the lives of ordinary people. I’ve seen how important it is to listen to the community and work with them to address their needs.
Additionally, my involvement in advocacy for social justice has strengthened my commitment to fairness and accountability. I’ve spent time speaking out on issues like gender equality, youth employment, and access to education, which I believe are all critical areas that need attention in Kamuli.
Finally, I am a dedicated problem-solver, someone who is not afraid of challenges and who is determined to find practical solutions. My life experiences, both the successes and the setbacks, have taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of collaboration. These qualities are essential in serving as a Member of Parliament.
If elected, how will you ensure that the voices of all residents of Kamuli, including marginalised groups, are heard and represented in Parliament? What does the term “representation” mean to you?
If elected, I will make it my priority to ensure that the voices of every resident of Kamuli—especially those from marginalised groups—are heard and represented in Parliament. Representation, to me, means being a true voice of the people, not just a voice for those who are loudest or most powerful.
I will actively engage with all communities in Kamuli, from rural villages to urban centres. I will hold regular consultations and forums where everyone, regardless of gender, age, or social status, can share their concerns and ideas. No one’s voice will be ignored. I am committed to listening to farmers, women, youth, people with disabilities, and others who often feel left out of the political process.
Additionally, I will advocate for policies that directly address the needs of marginalised groups. For example, I will push for better access to healthcare for women and children, youth empowerment programmes to fight unemployment, and inclusive education policies that cater to the needs of all students, including those with disabilities.
Representation is not just about being present; it’s about being active in fighting for equal opportunities for all. I believe that when people feel heard and their concerns are addressed, true progress is made. If elected, I will be a champion for all the people of Kamuli, ensuring that no one is left behind.
Access to quality education and healthcare is crucial. What are your proposed solutions to improve these services in Kamuli?
To improve education in Kamuli, I will advocate for more schools, better teacher training, and increased funding for educational materials. For healthcare, I will push for better-equipped health centres, more medical staff, and a reliable supply of essential medicines to ensure that every resident has access to quality services.
How do you plan to attract investment and create employment opportunities for the youth in Kamuli, given the high rates of unemployment?
To attract investment and create employment for the youth in Kamuli, I will work to improve infrastructure, support small businesses with access to funding, and promote vocational training and skills development programmes. I will also seek partnerships with private companies to establish industries that provide sustainable jobs for our young people.
What is your stance on key national policies, such as land ownership, environmental protection, and social welfare programs, and how do you believe they impact Kamuli?
I believe in fair land ownership policies that empower locals and ensure equitable distribution. I support environmental protection laws that conserve our natural resources, which are vital for agriculture. Additionally, I advocate for robust social welfare programmes that provide support for the vulnerable, ensuring that everyone in Kamuli has access to basic needs like healthcare, education, and housing.
What are your plans to advocate for the rights and empowerment of women and girls in Kamuli? What specific programmes or policies will you champion?
I will advocate for women’s and girls’ rights by pushing for equal access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. I will champion policies that ensure women have property rights, access to loans, and representation in leadership. I will also support programmes that fight gender-based violence and promote women’s health and empowerment.
How do you plan to work with other women leaders, both within Kamuli and nationally, to advance the interests of women?
I plan to collaborate with other women leaders in Kamuli and nationally by creating networks for sharing ideas, supporting women-focused policies, and advocating for legislative reforms that promote gender equality. Together, we will push for women’s representation in decision-making bodies and ensure that women’s voices are heard at all levels of government.
What are your thoughts on the current representation of women in Ugandan politics, and what steps do you believe need to be taken to achieve greater gender equality?
While Uganda has made strides in women’s political representation, with women holding 33.9% of parliamentary seats as of February 2024, there is still much work to be done, especially at the local government level. To achieve greater gender equality, we must implement policies that promote women’s participation in decision-making processes, ensure equal access to education and economic opportunities, and address cultural and societal barriers that hinder women’s advancement. By actively supporting these initiatives, we can create a more inclusive and equitable political landscape for all.
How do you plan to address issues such as gender-based violence, access to reproductive health services, and economic empowerment for women in Kamuli?
I will work to address gender-based violence by advocating for stronger laws, awareness programmes, and support services for survivors. For reproductive health, I will push for better access to family planning, maternal health care, and education. To empower women economically, I will promote women’s access to affordable loans, vocational training, and market opportunities to help them thrive financially.
How do you plan to differentiate yourself from other candidates in the race, particularly those with more established political backgrounds?
I will differentiate myself by being a fresh, energetic voice focused on action, not politics as usual. Unlike established politicians, I bring a people-first approach, grounded in honesty, community engagement, and a strong commitment to serve, not just to sit in office.
What message do you want to leave with the people of Kamuli as they go to the polls?
My message to the people of Kamuli is simple: This is our time. Let’s choose fresh leadership that listens, acts, and puts the people first. Together, we can build a better, brighter future for everyone.
