James Churchill Sentamu, the Makerere University Guild President and nephew to opposition leader Bobi Wine, has officially declared his intention to run for Parliament in the 2026 general elections.
Sentamu made the announcement during an appearance on The Deep Talk show with Mr. Henrie on Galaxy TV, saying, “I don’t think Parliament is too big a place for me.” The comment sparked immediate reactions online, with supporters lauding his confidence and critics questioning his experience.
Currently leading one of Uganda’s most influential student bodies, Sentamu has built a strong reputation among youth and university circles. As Guild President at Makerere, Uganda’s largest and oldest public university, he’s been vocal on issues ranging from tuition policies to democratic freedoms—earning both admiration and scrutiny.
A son of Chairman Nyanzi, Bobi Wine’s elder brother, Sentamu has long been associated with the National Unity Platform (NUP) and its ideals. His rise mirrors that of his uncle, who transformed from a chart-topping musician into a formidable opposition figure and 2021 presidential candidate.
Insiders say Sentamu’s candidacy has been in the works for months, with several youth-driven political mobilization efforts pointing to a broader strategy by NUP to position fresh faces in Parliament. His alignment with the party’s messaging and growing grassroots appeal among the youth put him in a strong position heading into the campaign season.
If elected, Sentamu would be among the youngest MPs in Uganda’s history—a clear signal of generational shift in a political environment long dominated by incumbents. Whether his youth will be an asset or obstacle remains to be seen.
As Uganda heads toward the 2026 polls, Churchill Sentamu’s entry into the race adds to the growing wave of youthful challengers looking to shake up the status quo.
