• NUP’s 2026 flagbearer list featured Uganda’s top entertainers battling career politicians for political seats.
  • Geoffrey Lutaaya, Swengere, Dr. Hilderman, and Mathias Walukagga scored big wins, while Big Eye, Bagala, and Tuff B faced losses.
  • The lineup shows how Uganda’s entertainment industry is becoming a serious force in shaping political leadership.

The just released NUP list of the official flag bearers for the different parliamentary positions saw the entertainment industry lock horns with the ‘other world of formalities.’ It wasn’t just about music and laughter anymore, it instead turned into a battlefield for political power. The Bobi Wine led party surely flipped the script in the race. With some of Uganda’s top entertainers clashing with career politicians, and some walking away victorious, others tasted bitter defeat.

First and foremost, Da Nu Eagles CEO, Geoffrey Lutaaya proved his political star is still shining as he easily defending his Kakuuto seat.

Comedian Muyonjo Hussein popularly known as Swengere pulled off a big one in Jinja North. He without a doubt proved that comedy can indeed translate into political clout.

Despite his alleged clashes with NUP and Bobi Wine, Hon Hillary Kiyaga aka Dr. Hilderman secured another term in Mawokota North, showing consistency in in his new found career.

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But behold! The biggest twist came when Kadongo Kamu singer Mathias Walukagga toppled veteran legislator Medard Lubega Sseggona in Busiro County East. This was undoubtedly one of the much anticipated battles. And this a political upset left party insiders and the public buzzing.

Sadly for every star who rose, another fell. Singer Big Eye real names Ibrahim Mayanja saw his dream collapse in Nansana after losing out to veteran journalist Zambaali Bulasio Mukasa who had for long been considered the outright favorite.

But another journalist though former, Joyce Bagala Ntwatwa didn’t see the light of the day in the People Power colors. She was ousted in what has been much expected. Meanwhie former Bukedde TV presenter Mary Flavia Namulindwa lost her grassroots gamble in Gomba East.

Comedian Lubega Obeid aka Reign (Rubaga North) and singer Robert Sekidde aka Tuff B (Makindye East) also found themselves sidelined, proving that not every stage performance translates into political victory.

Additionally, with names like Nina Roz earning her first-ever political ticket in Sembabule and Ivan Kyeyune (NTV’s Zungulu voice) joining the race in Nakasongola, the message is clear from the Kavule based party was clear:- Uganda’s entertainment industry is no longer a spectator in politics but rather a major player.

But the heartbreaks of Big Eye, Bagala, and others also remind us that in NUP, celebrity status alone isn’t enough. The party seems willing to gamble on some stars, while ruthlessly dropping others.

Apparently, NUP’s flag list is more than politics, it’s rather a reflection of Uganda’s changing political culture, where microphones, comedy skits, fame and hits are becoming stepping stones to Parliament and other positions.

The bigger question will however be if these limelight people can deliver and set a precedent for others in their field to follow of if they will perform below par.