Emerging Leader: Woniala Derick "Gen Trapezium" and His Bid for National Youth Council Secretary for Finance

In Uganda’s vibrant political landscape, young leaders continue to emerge with bold visions for the future. Among them is Woniala Derick, widely known as 'Gen Trapezium', a fast-rising youth politician from Bulambuli District. His bid for the position of Secretary for Finance in the National Youth Council has attracted national attention, with many describing him as a symbol of ambition, resilience, and progressive leadership.

From District Leadership to the National Stage

Currently serving as the District Youth Chairperson of Bulambuli, Derick has established himself as a strong mobilizer and advocate for young people. His remarkable ability to rally support, particularly in mobilizing youth to back President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s initiatives, has placed him at the forefront of youth politics in eastern Uganda.

Mentored by Hon. Eng. Dr. Irene Nafuna Muloni, a respected leader and former Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Derick has grown in confidence and political skill. He has often credited her guidance for shaping his values of service, loyalty, and integrity—qualities he now seeks to extend to the national arena.

A Vision for Youth Empowerment

At the heart of Derick’s campaign is a vision to transform the economic and social realities of Ugandan youth. As a candidate for Secretary for Finance, he pledges to focus on:

Financial Inclusion – creating opportunities for young people to access credit, savings, and financial literacy programs.

Economic Empowerment – promoting entrepreneurship, innovation, and income-generating activities for youth across all regions.

Social Welfare – advocating for programs that address education, health, and community development, ensuring young people are not left behind.

“Uganda’s youth are the heartbeat of our nation. If we create platforms for them to thrive, then the future of Uganda will be secure,” he often says during his campaign meetings.

Keeping the Legacy Alive

Derick is widely recognized for his commitment to upholding the legacy of Hon. Irene Muloni. His political activism is grounded in service, unity, and mobilization, values he attributes to her mentorship. Many in Bulambuli describe him as one of the “fastest-rising youths” in the region, not just because of his quick political ascension, but because of his ability to connect with the grassroots and inspire collective action.

The NRM Youth League Elections

Derick’s candidature comes at a time when the NRM Youth League—the party’s youth arm—is preparing for elections to restructure its leadership. The Youth League, open to all young NRM members, mirrors the mother party’s structures and plays a crucial role in shaping the next generation of leaders.

With the NRM Electoral Commission expected to conduct a fresh election under strict adherence to party guidelines, the contest for Secretary for Finance will be keenly watched. For Derick, the elections present not just an opportunity to serve, but also a platform to influence financial decision-making and champion transparency within the Youth Council.

A Bright Future for Gen Trapezium

As the race heats up, Derick’s charisma, organizational skill, and youthful energy continue to resonate deeply with his peers. His growing popularity suggests that he is not only a contender for the Secretary for Finance position but also a future figure to watch in Uganda’s political landscape.

If his trajectory remains steady, Woniala Derick, aka Gen Trapezium, will be remembered as part of a new wave of leaders reshaping the future of Uganda—leaders who are young, visionary, and determined to build a nation where every youth has a stake in progress.