By David Isabirye
Hon. Phiona Nyamutooro is the current minister of state for Energy and Mineral Development (minerals) as well as the national youth representative of the 11th Parliament for the Republic of Uganda.
For the upcoming general elections in 2026, she is vying for the MP seat of the Nebbi District woman representative, currently occupied by Hon. Agnes Acibu.
Hon. Nyamutooro who has already secured the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party ticket is a big favourite in a constituency where she is tagged as ZIM ZIM and Lero Pa Nebbi (The light of Nebbi).
In a recent interview at her residence in Nebbi district, Nyamutooro shares about a cross section of issues ranging from politics, current affairs, sports to her line of ministry.
Gateway News: Who did you manage to win the MP seat for the youth
Hon. Nyamutooro: It was a gradual growth. I have been a leader through schools. It was step by step. Youth elections are very, very competitive and tedious. I traveled the whole country and visited every district more than four times looking for votes and I made it.
Gateway News: How has work been as a youth MP thus far?
Hon. Nyamutooro: We have been working as a group (5) in the national parliament. I entered parliament when Government was retrieving funds from different pools to the Parish Development Model. We had to convince the president to reserve at least 30 percent for the youth which he humbly permitted. These are the funds we have been using for youth skilling projects to regional skilling hubs across the country. We also put in place start up bill, a proposal that lcal Government contracts with at least 30 percent be channeled to the youth. We also pushed for Sexual Reproduction Health Club to tame rampant teenage pregnancies and also instill leadership and patriotism values among young leaders.
Gateway News: Unemployment remains a big problem to the youth. What have you done to curb the vice?
Hon. Nyamutooro: Unemployment is a global problem not only in Uganda. It can never strike a balance where people are no longer talking about unemployment but underemployment. Government has taken it a very serious concern, and we are trying to improve the quality of skill force to compete favorably on the labour market. There are endless opportunities for young people. We advise young people to equip themselves with different skills and preach competence over experience for hiring them.
Gateway News: How did you win manage to win the primaries in the NRM elections for the 2026 polls?
Hon. Nyamutooro: We put in a lot of hard work. We presented our well packaged manifesto to the people and they bought it, choosing me over the opponent. It remains work in progress ahead of the elections.
Gateway News: How do you envisage the current political landscape; in particular for president Museveni?
Hon. Nyamutooro: We have witnessed a gradual growth of Uganda. The politics cannot be left to chance. President Museveni has had a realistic dream for Uganda. We have to look at Uganda where we have come from, where we are and where we are going. The president has done a lot of good deeds that we ought to consolidate the gains upon.
Gateway News: How is Nebbi at the moment?
Hon. Nyamutooro: There have been lots of positive and achievements for Nebbi in the recent years. For example; there is stable peace, different schools at all levels (currently lobbying for a Government technical school), health centers (we are finalizing of upgrading the Nebbi General Hospital to a regional referral), roads, the Nvuru industrial park which is coming up which will present different employment opportunities to the people. The Nebbi Sub-station brought stability of power and a lot many other things. There has also been economic empowerment and as leaders, we support the people to add on the effort of the Government. Nebbi today has 641 village SACCOS with a target is to have atleast Ug.Shs 10,000,000 per every account so that there is need to access affordable credit.
Gateway News: How did Nebbi receive your ministerial appointment?
Hon Nyamutooro: My appointment as minister brought a lot of hope and excitement to the people of Nebbi. They felt it would be of impactful participation to their general development and the country at large. I am the third minister from Nebbi, the first in 20 years and the first ever female. As minister of state for energy and mineral development (minerals); It has been incumbent upon us to sensitize about the mineral sector which is a key ATM that Government set to anchor development for the country. Ugandans should know about the fluctuation for the price of Gold, Copper, Tin and other minerals; just like they do for coffee.
Gateway News: How impactful has Nebbi Central Football Club been to community development?
Hon. Nyamutooro: Nebbi Central Football Club is a strong representative for the people of Nebbi. It unites all the people of Nebbi. It has been a breeding ground for talent and we want to make sure that talent grows and beyond Nebbi.
Gateway News: How do you manage to balance work, constituency and family?
Hon. Nyamutooro: To be sincere; striking a balance between work, constituency and family is tedious. But I have been able to accomplish all the tasks because of the supportive teams I have. I have a very supportive team at work, family and constituency. My husband (music star Eddie Kenzo) is very supportive and encouraging. It is a blessing to have a supportive husband.
The Author X handle: @IsabiryeDavid | 0760510301 & 0700733461
