Stacia Mayanja sworn in as president of National Peasants Party

In a symbolic ceremony blending political purpose with grassroots optimism, celebrated musician-turned-political leader Hajjat Faridah Stacia Mayanja was officially sworn in as the new President of the National Peasants Party (NPP). The event, held today at Nkima Gardens in Nansana, marks a pivotal reawakening for the party just months before Uganda’s 2026 general elections.

Founded in 2004 by Emeritos Elias Wamala, the NPP has historically advocated for smallholder farmers, rural dwellers, and informal sector workers.

However, this reorganization signals a renewed and assertive push for national relevance with a refreshed leadership team, strategic mobilization goals, and a public commitment to rural transformation.

In her acceptance speech, Hajjat Mayanja reaffirmed the NPP’s founding vision: empowering Uganda’s most underserved communities.

“Our party is built on the foundation of empowering the voiceless,” she declared. “We will fight for their rights and ensure their voices are heard in the corridors of power.”

Swearing her oath before party delegates, civil society representatives, and religious leaders, Mayanja promised to lead with “poise, diligence, and integrity,” while remaining fully accountable to the party and to Ugandans. She pledged not to use her position for personal gain, instead vowing to uphold the principles of unity, democracy, and national sovereignty.

The leadership overhaul, announced during the party’s National Delegates’ Conference, reflects a strategic shift towards greater grassroots engagement and national visibility. Alongside Mayanja, the NPP unveiled a new executive team:

Albert Asiimwe Atwongirwe – 1st Vice President (Western Uganda)
Andrew Mulindwa – National Chairperson
Sharif Ssentongo Naambale – National Secretary General
Tomas Bagonza – National Spokesperson

Bagonza’s appointment, given his past ties to the National Unity Platform (NUP), sparked speculation about possible political shifts.

However, Ssentongo Naambale swiftly addressed the rumors, emphasizing, “We are an independent party. Our focus is on advocating for peasant farmers and ensuring their representation in government.”

Outgoing party founder Emeritos Wamala officially handed over the party constitution and leadership documents to Mayanja and her team, calling for unity and commitment to the NPP’s principles of integrity, service, and justice.

Throughout the conference, delegates highlighted the mounting challenges faced by Uganda’s peasant communities from land insecurity and poor infrastructure to limited access to affordable inputs and markets. Mayanja responded with a promise to make agricultural reform and rural development the cornerstone of her leadership.

The NPP also announced plans to register over 200,000 supporters before nominations open, underscoring its intention to contest in all elective positions in the 2026 elections.

Visually and symbolically, the conference reinforced the party’s identity. The use of Nkima Gardens, a venue rooted in a community setting, reflected the NPP’s emphasis on accessibility. Party colors; red, white, and black and the symbol of a pen, representing education and empowerment, were proudly displayed throughout.

With just under a year until the elections, the National Peasants Party is emerging from the political margins, seeking to establish itself as a credible alternative for rural voters.

Backed by a new, high-profile leader and an energized base, the NPP now faces the challenge of translating this internal momentum into national traction.

Whether this rebranding will yield electoral gains remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the National Peasants Party is back on the political map and it’s speaking with a louder, more confident voice.