Across Africa, young people are often told to wait their turn, stay in their place, or play small in systems that have long been dominated by the old guard. But every now and then, someone refuses to wait. Someone like Yvonne Mpambara, a young social justice lawyer and activist who has declared her intention to run for the presidency of Uganda in 2026.
Her story is not just political, it is deeply instructive. For those of us navigating our own paths in leadership, activism, and public life, Yvonne’s journey offers powerful lessons on courage, clarity, and conviction. It is a reminder that youth is not a barrier to leadership, it is a resource.
Leadership Is Not a Title, It Is a Commitment to People
Yvonne did not emerge from the elite circles of power. She was raised in Kabale and Kanungu districts after losing her father at a young age. Her leadership journey began not with fanfare, but with acts of courage, like standing up to a teacher who punished her unfairly, or creating a book club that donated materials to children who couldn’t afford them.
She teaches us that leadership starts wherever you are, in your classroom, your community, or your local organisation. It is about taking responsibility, showing up, and making things better for others.
“Leadership is about service, not self,” she often says. “The people you serve must matter more than your personal ambition.”
Use Your Voice, Even When It Shakes
Yvonne’s voice has never been timid. As a teenager, she confronted injustice. As a law student and activist, she protested the removal of presidential age limits in Uganda, a stance that got her arrested. And now, as a presidential aspirant, she is using her voice to call for a new social contract between Uganda’s leaders and its people. Young people are often told to keep quiet, especially when they question power. But silence has never changed a system. Whether in politics, activism, or the workplace, we must learn to use our voices, even when it is uncomfortable. “Don’t wait for permission to speak,” Yvonne tells young leaders. “The truth needs no approval.”
Lead with Values, Not Ego
One of the most striking things about Yvonne is her clarity of purpose. She is not running for office because she wants status or power, she is doing it because she believes Uganda deserves a government that listens, includes, and protects its people.
Her campaign is grounded in core values, dignity, justice, inclusion, and accountability. In a political climate where many leaders are driven by ego and entitlement, Yvonne reminds us that true leadership is values-driven. As young people, we must constantly ask: What do I stand for? Whose interests am I serving?
Change the System, Do not Just Fit Into It
Yvonne is not interested in being a token. She critiques what she calls the “30% gimmick”, the practice of putting women in visible positions without giving them real power. She challenges systems that exploit women while pretending to celebrate them. And she advocates for real transformation, not symbolic inclusion.
Her approach is a reminder that we are not here to simply be included, we are here to reshape the system. Young people must not just aim to enter boardrooms, parliaments, and cabinets. We must aim to redesign them. “Representation without transformation is not progress,” she warns. “Don’t settle for a seat at the table if the table itself is unjust.”
Prepare for Power, Then Step Into It
Perhaps the most powerful lesson from Yvonne Mpambara’s journey is this, you do not need to wait until you are 50 to lead.
Too often, young people are told to “wait their turn.” But the truth is, we must prepare for power, and then claim it responsibly. Yvonne has built her credibility over years: as a lawyer, activist, a long serving Head of Communications for the African Youth Caucus, and mentor to emerging leaders. Her presidential bid is the result of long, intentional preparation.
She is also building a movement, not just a moment. Through her Foundation for Female Presidential Aspirants, she is training young African women to enter politics with confidence and competence. The message is clear: You don’t stumble into leadership. You prepare. You serve. You learn. And then you lead.
Why Yvonne’s Story Inspires Hope
One of the strongest benefits of Yvonne Mpambara’s example is that it breaks the myth that leadership belongs only to the old or wealthy. Her story proves that leadership is about values, courage, and action, not age, titles, or privilege. This is a powerful message for young Africans who often feel invisible in political and public spaces. She is proof that you do not have to be part of the elite to lead change.
Another strength of her journey is her authentic connection to people’s everyday struggles. Yvonne’s grassroots experiences, from losing a parent early to facing harassment as a student activist, give her a deep understanding of injustice. Her leadership is grounded in lived experience, not just theories. That makes her relatable and trustworthy to many ordinary Ugandans and young Africans.
Yvonne’s campaign also sends a strong signal that women can and should lead at the highest levels. In many parts of Africa, women are still underrepresented in leadership roles. Her presidential bid doesn’t just challenge male dominance, it actively creates space for other young women to dream bigger. Through her foundation, she’s already supporting more female presidential aspirants, showing that real leadership lifts others up.
Lastly, Yvonne stands out for her focus on systems change, not just self-promotion. She’s not trying to fit into a broken political culture, she wants to transform it. That’s a rare and powerful thing, especially in African politics, where many leaders focus more on staying in power than serving people.
What Young People Must Watch Out For
Despite the powerful lessons in Yvonne’s story, there are also real challenges and risks to consider. First, youthful leadership still faces huge resistance in many African countries. Elders often dominate political parties, and legal, financial, and cultural barriers make it very hard for young people, especially women, to run for office. So, while her story is inspirational, it is important to recognise that most systems are still rigged against young change-makers.
Also, having passion is not enough. Yvonne’s journey shows the importance of preparation, resilience, and strategy. Many young people want to lead but lack the skills or support systems needed to succeed. This reminds us that wanting to lead is not the same as being ready to lead. Mentorship, experience, and political education are crucial.
There is also the risk of over-personalising change. While Yvonne is inspiring, real transformation does not depend on one individual, it depends on movements, teams, and collective power. If we only focus on heroes, we may ignore the slow, hard work of building systems that outlive any one leader. Young people must build sustainable movements, not just follow personalities.
A Final Word to Young Africans
Yvonne Mpambara’s journey is not just about Uganda. It is a mirror for all of us, young Africans who are daring to dream of a different future. A future where young women lead not in whispers but with power. A future where our politics is shaped by justice, not fear. A future where we stop asking for permission and start taking our place, with integrity.
She reminds us that age is not the disqualifier, apathy is. That waiting your turn may mean never getting the chance. And that the world changes only when young people stop waiting and start building.
So, let this be a call to action, organise, speak out, learn deeply, lead boldly.
The future is not something we inherit, it is something we create.
