The list has been compiled and resourced by Mukyala Wandera on X (formerly Twitter)
Uganda’s 11th Parliament, elected on January 14, 2021, reflects a legacy of long-standing political leadership. Out of the 499 Members of Parliament (MPs), at least 28 have served for 15 years or more. These individuals have shaped Uganda’s political, economic, and social landscape through years of resilience, controversy, and evolution—especially following President Yoweri Museveni’s rise to power in 1986.
Here’s a deep dive into Uganda’s longest-serving leaders still active in governance today:
1. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni – 39 years and counting
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In January 1986, Museveni took power after a protracted bush war. With a revolutionary 10-point program, he was hailed as a reformist by the West, credited with bold steps to fight HIV/AIDS and introduce universal education.
39 years later, Museveni’s tenure is among the longest in Africa—only behind Equatorial Guinea’s Teodoro Obiang, Cameroon’s Paul Biya, and Congo’s Denis Sassou Nguesso. He’s overseen multiple constitutional amendments, including one removing presidential age limits, effectively cementing his rule for life.
2. Jim Muhwezi Katugugu – 39 years in Government
A founding member of the National Resistance Army (NRA), Jim Muhwezi has been active since 1986, serving in roles including:
• Director General, ISO (1986–1996) – known for human rights reforms in security agencies.
• Ministerial Roles: Education, Health, and now Security (2021–present).
• MP for Rujumbura County – a constant parliamentary figure.
Muhwezi was part of the Constituent Assembly that drafted Uganda’s 1995 Constitution, placing him at the heart of the country’s political re-engineering.
3. Rebecca Kadaga – 36 years in Parliament
Kadaga entered Parliament in 1989 as Kamuli Woman MP and rose to become Uganda’s first female Speaker. Her legacy is marred by the controversial age-limit amendment passed under her watch in 2017, allowing Museveni to extend his rule.
She currently serves as First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs while maintaining her parliamentary seat.
4. Gen. Jeje Odongo – 29 years in office
A member of the original 27 NRA fighters, Jeje Odongo entered Parliament in 1996. His roles span:
• Minister of Defence, Commander of the Army, Minister of Internal Affairs, and now Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Odongo has been tied to controversy, including allegations in 2024 that Uganda’s consulate in Dubai was operating an illegal casino.
5. Kahinda Otafiire – 29 years in Parliament
Joining politics in 1996, Otafiire’s earlier years were dramatic, including his resignation in 1988 after pulling a gun on a woman in a bar. He has since held multiple portfolios, including Justice, Internal Affairs, and Local Government.
Despite controversy, he remains a fixture in Museveni’s Cabinet.
6. Gen. Moses Ali – Nearly five decades in power
Born in 1939, Moses Ali served under Idi Amin as Finance Minister, led a rebellion in the 1980s, and joined Museveni post-Bush War. He’s held roles as First and Second Deputy Prime Minister and MP for East Moyo since 2011.
His political career is a journey through every regime since Uganda’s independence—one of survival, adaptability, and influence.
7. Abdu Katuntu – 24 years in Parliament
Katuntu entered Parliament in 2001 under the Reform Agenda and later joined the FDC. His most high-profile stint was leading COSASE, investigating financial scandals at the Bank of Uganda.
Accusations of bribery and clandestine dealings followed, but none led to convictions.
8. Nandala Mafabi – 24 years and counting
Budadiri West’s MP since 2001, Mafabi was Leader of the Opposition (2011–2014) and chaired PAC.
He’s faced allegations of suppressing audit reports in exchange for bribes, though he’s defended his record under parliamentary immunity.
9. Theodore Ssekikubo – 24 years
Representing Lwemiyaga County since 2001, Ssekikubo has been a controversial but consistent figure.
He’s faced land-grabbing accusations and local revolts, including a recent 2024 campaign by constituents demanding his resignation.
10. Felix Okot Ogong – 29 Years in Parliament
MP for Dokolo South since 1996, Ogong has remained politically resilient through years of service, briefly serving as Minister for Youth and Children Affairs.
He’s known for mobilising local defence against the LRA and for his philanthropic gestures.
Other long-serving Legislators and officials (19+ years)
• Betty Amongi (Oyam South) – 24 years
• Hillary Onek (Lamwo County) – 24 years
• David Wakikona (Bukigai) – 24 years
• Jenipher Namuyangu (Kibuku) – 24 years
• Jessica Alupo (Katakwi) – 24 years
• Bright Rwamirama (Isingiro North) – 24 years
• Jimmy Akena (Lira City East) – 19 years
• Peter Lokii (Kotido Municipality) – 19 years
• Wamakuyu Mudimi (Elgon County) – 19 years
• Elijah Okupa (Kasilo County) – 24 years
• James Nsababuturo (Bufumbira East) – 24 years
• Chris Baryomunsi (Kinkizi East) – 19 years
• David Bahati (Ndorwa West) – 19 years
• Wilfred Niwagaba (Ndorwa East) – 19 years
• Frank Tumwebaze (Kibale East) – 19 years
• Barnabas Tinkasimire (Buyaga West) – 19 years
• Matia Kasaija (Buyanja County) – 19 years
