Former fashion icon and Miss Uganda franchise holder Ms.Sylvia Owori has set her sights on a new venture: politics. The entrepreneur and director of Operation Wealth Creation (OWC) under the guidance of Gen. Caleb Akadwanaho, well known as Salim Saleh since 2015, announced her intention to contest for the Tororo District Woman Member of Parliament seat in the upcoming 2026 general elections.
Owori's announcement, made via a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, came as a challenge to the incumbent MP Sarah Opendi.
In her message, Owori tagged Opendi, stating, "@SarahOpendi, I will be standing as Woman MP of Tororo. Let the best woman win."
Hon. Sarah Opendi, a former two-time State Minister for Health and Mineral Development, has been serving as the Woman MP for Tororo District. Known for her outspoken nature and controversial remarks in Parliament, Hon. Opendi has sparked debates with her proposals, including Bills aimed at regulating alcohol sales and advocating for the automatic conversion of cohabitation into marriage.
However, Opendi's political journey hasn't been without its bumps. Her call for the castration of homosexuals during discussions on anti-gay legislation led to the rejection of her visa application by the United States Embassy in Kampala.
Owori's entry into the political arena adds a new dimension to the upcoming race. With her association with Gen. Salim Saleh, considered a significant political influencer in Uganda, Owori is already perceived as a formidable contender. Her diverse background, from fashion entrepreneurship to publishing and event management, adds depth to her candidacy.
Having made waves in the fashion industry with her Sylvie's Boutique and Miss Uganda franchise, Owori brings a unique perspective to the political landscape. Her transition from the glamour of the catwalk to the complexities of politics underscores her versatility and determination to make an impact in her community.
As the countdown to the 2026 elections begins, all eyes will be on Tororo as Sylvia Owori and Sarah Opendi prepare to go head-to-head in what promises to be a captivating electoral contest. With Owori's ambition and Opendi's experience, the race for the Tororo District Woman MP seat is set to be a riveting battle of ideas and personalities.
Sylvia Owori was one of the leading figures in East Africa’s Fashion, media, and modeling industries, famous for both her entrepreneurial skills as well as for her creative talent from back in the day. Her contribution towards Uganda’s development was recognized by President Museveni in June 2006 when she received the Presidential Transformers Award.
