Karamoja, Uganda: Former Miss Tourism Uganda 2017 winner, Challa Elma Kapel, 27, has announced her candidacy for political office. She is set to aspire for the youth MP Northern Uganda region in the next general elections under the National Resistance Movement (NRM) ticket.
She says that beauty pageantry instills a sense of competitiveness and servitude that also applies in the world of politics. For her, it was her pathway to political office.
“The beauty contests of my youth instilled a competitive spirit in me. After serving my tenure, as Miss Tourism Uganda, I developed skills which are necessary for political achievement. I believe the time to serve on a higher pedestal is now,” she said.
Elma reveals that during her reign as Miss Tourism Uganda, she met prolific politicians like former speaker Hon. Rebecca Kadaga.
“I did tree planting with the former speaker of the Parliament of Uganda, Rebecca Kadaga, which marked the beginning of the “Go Green Karamoja” project. She remarked to me that I had the hallmarks of a good leader and could in the future serve them in a bigger office,” she says.
Elma describes herself as a dynamic leader, youth advocate, and champion for economic empowerment, dedicated to driving tangible change.
“With a strong background in community development, entrepreneurship, tourism, and governance, I have committed my career to amplifying youth voices and creating sustainable opportunities for young people in Uganda,” she says.
She adds, “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 says.
Early life and education
Born in Kotido District, Uganda, Elma comes from a richly diverse background. Her father hails from Nakapelimoru, Kotido District, and her mother from Nakapiripirit, both in the
Karamoja region.
She says that growing up in one of Uganda’s least developed regions has given her a firsthand understanding of the challenges facing youth, particularly in Northern Uganda.
On the academic front, Elma is a highly accomplished academic, holding:
• MSc in Global Logistics, Operations, and Supply Chain Management (Ongoing) –
+ 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
Professional and leadership experience;
Elma has actively worked to uplift young people through various platforms, advocating for education, entrepreneurship, and cultural preservation.
Her leadership journey includes the Miss Tourism Uganda 2017–2018, where she served as a national tourism ambassador, promoting Uganda’s rich cultural heritage and tourism sector on both local and international stages at just 19 years old.
She was also the country representative for the Ateker International Development Organisation (AIDO) and advocated for cultural preservation and community development among the Ateker people in the diaspora.
She also served as a Program Officer, International Organization for Migration (IOM) and Contributed to immigration and governance projects, focusing on youth inclusion in economic development.
Vision and Key Focus Areas;
As an aspiring youth MP for Northern Uganda, Elma is committed to advocating for policies that empower young people.
“My key focus areas include youth employment and entrepreneurship, where I will promote innovation and skill development to create sustainable job opportunities,” she says.
She also intends to advocate for improved access to quality education and vocational training, civic engagement and leadership, and tourism and cultural development by leveraging Uganda’s rich cultural heritage as a tool for economic growth.
To the youth of Northern Uganda, Elma says, “This is not 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.”
