Sheilah Amaniyo Biography
Sheilah Amaniyo is the Woman Member of Parliament for Mukono District and one of the emerging political leaders in the area. Her rise from business and community service into national politics reflects a new generation of Ugandan leaders focused on economic empowerment and grassroots development.
Sheilah Draville Amaniyo has built her public profile through a combination of academic achievement, community service and political mobilisation. Her leadership journey illustrates the growing influence of women in Uganda’s local and national politics.
Early Life and Education
Sheilah Amaniyo was born and raised in Kabowa, Rubaga Division in Kampala. She began her education at Namagunga St. Tereza Primary School before transferring to Kampala Parents School where she completed her Primary Leaving Examinations.
She later attended St. Mary’s College Namagunga in Mukono District for both her O-Level and A-Level education.
Amaniyo joined Makerere University where she studied Development Economics and obtained a Bachelor’s degree. The academic training shaped her interest in economic empowerment and development policy.
In February 2026, she attained a Master’s degree in Economic Policy and Planning from Makerere University, graduating during the institution’s 76th Graduation Ceremony. The new qualification strengthened her credentials as a policymaker and development-focused legislator.
Her academic background in economics has influenced much of her political message, particularly her emphasis on productivity, financial independence and skills development.
Business and Community Work
Before joining active politics, Amaniyo worked as a businesswoman and community mobiliser. She has been associated with enterprises such as JABE Enterprises and Good Man Companies where she engaged in trade and supply activities.
Alongside her business career, Amaniyo participated in several community development initiatives.
She served as Secretary of the Rotary Club of Mukono Central where she supported programmes such as:
- Distribution of maternal health kits
- School fees support for vulnerable children
- Youth vocational skills training
She has also worked with Theresa Ministries Friends of Charity supporting orphans and disadvantaged families.
Her early community work focused on improving livelihoods and economic opportunities for women and young people.
Political Career
Sheilah Amaniyo first gained public political attention during the 2021 general elections when she contested for the Mukono District Woman MP seat.
During the campaign, she emphasised economic empowerment and development-oriented leadership. However, she lost the election to National Unity Platform candidate Hanifa Nabukeera.
Ahead of the 2026 general elections, Amaniyo returned to the race and secured the National Unity Platform (NUP) party flag for Mukono District Woman MP.
Her campaign focused on:
- Women’s economic empowerment
- Youth skills development
- Improved health services
- Better education services
- Market access for farmers
Amaniyo popularised the message:
“Skills plus capital equals productivity.”
She argued that sustainable development depends on equipping citizens with practical skills and financial support.
She has also advocated for women’s land and inheritance rights and pledged to popularise Uganda’s Succession Act to improve women’s economic security.
Election Victory
In the 2026 general elections, Sheilah Amaniyo won the Mukono District Woman MP seat after defeating her closest rival from the ruling National Resistance Movement.
Her victory marked a turning point in her political career and established her as one of Mukono District’s leading political figures.
The election outcome reflected strong grassroots support and the growing influence of opposition politics in Mukono District.
Leadership Vision
As Mukono District Woman MP, Amaniyo has emphasised practical solutions to community problems.
Her priorities include:
- Women’s financial independence
- Youth employment
- Improved health services
- Education access
- Agricultural development
She has consistently described her approach as servant leadership, focusing on direct engagement with communities.
Her leadership style combines academic knowledge, community experience and political organisation.
Conclusion
Sheilah Amaniyo’s journey from community service to Parliament highlights the changing face of Ugandan politics. With a background in Development Economics and a newly obtained Master’s degree in Economic Policy and Planning, she represents a new generation of leaders focused on practical development solutions.
Her growing influence in Mukono District and national politics positions her as one of the notable female political leaders to watch in Uganda.
