A Historic Shift: Black Women Rise in the Senate race and Anita Cox Mpambara

Meet Anita Mpambara Cox the first Ugandan-born Woman to vie for the U.S senate position.‍

Washington, D.C. - In a momentous turn of events, new history is being created with the rise of Black women in the race for the Senate. As retirements loom in Maryland, Delaware, and California, the stage is set for ground-breaking change, with Lisa Blunt Rochester showing up as the first woman of color representing Delaware's at-large congressional district since 2017 and as a member of the Democratic Party, she is the first woman and first African American to represent Delaware in Congress. A wave of unprecedented opportunity beckons, offering the prospect of sending more Black women to the Senate in 2024 than in the entire 234-year history of the chamber. Remarkably, as Senate incumbents step down in California, Delaware, and Maryland, the blue states find themselves with a surge of vacant seats, and in an unprecedented twist, Black women have emerged as top contenders in each contest. Among these shining stars is Anita Cox Mpambara, who aims to claim a seat in the Senate representing Maryland's legislative District under the Republican Party, a momentous occasion deserving of celebration for the relentless and unyielding Cox.

A Legacy of Administrative Brilliance

Anita Cox Mpambara's roots trace back to a lineage of administrative prowess that stretches back to pre-independence Uganda. Both her paternal and maternal grandparents held esteemed positions, leading their tribal clans and actively shaping the community's day-to-day affairs. Notably, Mr. Sepiriya Mukombe Mpambara, son of Saza Chief Michael Mpambara in Nyakishenyi, Uganda's Rukungiri District, holds a prominent place as one of Uganda's founding fathers. Trained as a public administrator in the UK, he played a pivotal role in forming the country's first government. Equally renowned for her relentless nature and infectious energy, Anita's mother, Rushaya Elsie Mpambara, thrived as a sole proprietor, successfully managing a popular restaurant in Kampala while expertly tending to the family farm.

A Journey of Daring Pursuits

In the early 1980s, amidst the ebb and flow of change and adventure, the life of Anita took a poignant turn. Fleeing political persecution during the tenure of President Milton Obote in Uganda, her parents sought refuge, uprooting their family in pursuit of safety and freedom. Unbeknownst to many, this young, intrepid soul was just embarking on a journey of boundless possibilities.

Anita's own journey began amidst the vibrant landscape of Uganda, where she attended Kabaale Preparatory School and later Namasagali College for high school. However, fate led her family to seek political asylum through Amnesty International during President Apollo Milton Obote's second regime, setting the stage for her to study in Kenya, Tanzania, and eventually the UK, where she arrived as a determined teenager. There, her relentless pursuit of knowledge led her to the esteemed University of Wales, where she earned degrees in economics and international strategic studies. As destiny would have it, she crossed paths with her future husband, Paul Cox, a member of the US State Department's diplomatic corps, in London. Their marriage marked a pivotal turning point, propelling Anita on a journey of living and working overseas, and she refers to herself as a "trailing spouse" in the diplomatic circuit

A Champion of Diplomacy and Advocacy

Embracing her diverse experiences, Anita carved a unique path, starting her work in Argentina, where she edited the embassy's community publications and honed her Spanish language skills. Subsequently, she ventured into the visa section of the US mission, where she interviewed over 70 individuals daily, adjudicating citizenship cases, issuing visas, and addressing various legal matters. Anita's deep understanding of immigration issues, stemming from her personal experiences as an immigrant and a visa adjudicator, fuels her unwavering drive to create a better world for all.

Pioneering change and fostering education

As the Founder, Chair, and President of the Mpambara-Cox Foundation, her heart is ablaze with a fervent commitment to education and parental involvement in nurturing children. With resolute passion, she proclaims, "Parents are the architects of their children's preparation for adulthood," her unwavering belief in the power of family goes over and above and strongly pillars her journey.

But the story does not end there, for Anita's philanthropic endeavors have borne fruit in the form of her non-profit organization, dedicated to fostering global understanding and connecting schools across continents. Through this initiative, she has already provided school meals to children in her native land in Kabaale, Uganda, illuminating a path of hope and empowerment.  In a captivating address at an engagement meeting of the Elsie Lushaya Women’s Group, Anita Mpambara Cox, the Founder, Chair, and President of the Mpambara-Cox Foundation, passionately emphasized the pivotal role of parents in their children's education and upbringing, urging them to supplement government efforts.

This significant event, held at Brazin Forest Resort in Nyakambu of Kabaale Municipality in April, witnessed Anita advocating for a joint responsibility between parents and the government in ensuring children receive a proper education. Drawing from her own experiences and the foundation's mission, she highlighted that while the government provides support, parents must actively engage as the architects of their children's preparation for adulthood. Expressing her desire to see more children complete their education, she emphasized the foundation's commitment to helping those who face challenges in completing primary education. Additionally, she cautioned parents against absenteeism, recognizing it as a major hindrance to academic performance in schools across Uganda.

The event garnered praise from Kabaale Municipality deputy mayor Kedress Mutabazi, who commended the Cox Foundation's transformative work in education and faith-based initiatives. With its dedication to advancing global understanding, the Mpambara-Cox Foundation remains steadfast in its mission to connect schools in Uganda and the US through the U.S.-Africa Schools Partnering Initiative, reflecting the visionary leadership of Anita Mpambara Cox in creating an interconnected world of educational opportunities.

A Voice that Sizzles: The Podcasting Trailblazer

Ever the fearless trailblazer, Anita ventured into the world of podcasting with "This Blue Kitchen." The podcast delves into Maryland's kitchen table issues, sizzling with insightful discussions and percolating real solutions for families. From school safety to community concerns, she serves up a delectable blend of knowledge and advocacy.

Embarking on Community

Anita's approach to community echoes the spirit of genuine partnership and engagement. As a Commissioner appointed by the County Council and a member of the Multicultural Affairs Committee in Gaithersburg, her dedication to enriching lives and empowering those she serves knows no bounds. Her heart beats in unison with the community she holds dear.  

Shaping Tomorrow: Priorities for Progress

With her sights set on the U.S. Senate, Anita's priorities resonate with the needs of the people: education, crime reduction, mental health services, and empowering small businesses. Her profound understanding of immigration issues, derived from personal experiences as an immigrant and a visa adjudicator, infuses her drive to create a better world for all. In the enormousness of American politics, Anita Mpambara Cox's journey stands as a beacon of hope, and inspiration to all the black people living beyond Africa and all over the world that dreams can be realized, and barriers can be overcome with passion, dedication, and an unyielding belief in the power of possibilities.