As the political temperatures in Uganda are getting hotter each day that passes, we have realised that sports and politics have found a new benchmark as many prominent sports personalities have declared their intentions to run for political offices.
Globally we have a collection of sportsmen and women who’ve joined politics from Liberia’s George Weah to Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao. However, in Uganda it’s been on a very low turn up to see sports figures going for political offices. Nevertheless 2021 is bound to be special as numerous sports administrators, journalists and agents are intending to shoot their shot in politics.
Let’s have a look at some of those who have officially showed interest.
Moses Magogo (MP Budiope East)
It started as rumour that FUFA President Eng Moses Magogo was going to test the political waters in the forthcoming general elections. As we compile this article, its public knowledge that Magogo is ready to unseat incumbent Geoffrey Dhanuzungu from the Budiope East Parliamentary seat in 2021.
The CAF Executive member already picked the ruling party NRM nomination forms and is only waiting for primaries to confirm him as the flag bearer.
Hope Diana Nyago (MP Njeru Municipality)
The outgoing Jinja SS headmistress seems to have now put all the recent Busoga United FC wrangles behind and concentrating on her new political venture.
Nyago anticipates riding on her sports contribution in the Busoga region to win the Njeru Municipality MP Seat. Just like Magogo, Nyago is contesting on the NRM ticket.
Joseph Kabuleta (President)
Though he’s currently being introduced as a City pastor, Joseph Kabuleta first made his mark as a Sports Journalist working for different media houses that included; New Vision, WBS and NBS.
Known for his evolving character, Kabuleeta made an enormous move into politics as he’s eyeing the country’s top office. The journalist turned pastor will be running for Presidency on the Financial Liberation ticket which he said will ensure equitable distribution of resources God blessed Uganda with.
Ismail Dhakaba Kigongo (MP Bugweri County MP):
Ismail Dhakaba is another Sports Journalist ready to take up the political mantle in the forthcoming election. Dhakaba has worked with Radio One ,Akaboozi, Daily Monitor, NTV, KFM and Enyanda before quitting journalism to join National Council of Sports as the Head of Corporate Affairs.
Dhakaba recently officially took a bold decision and resigned from NCS to join an anticipated tight race of who will represent the people of Bugweri in the 11th parliament. Incumbent Abdul Kantuntu seems indecisive on whether not to seek re-election but still Dhakaba has a tough hurdle to jump in the FDC primaries as he has to go head to head with popular lawyer Julius Galisonga.
Rogers Byamukama (MP Masindi Municipality)
Rogers Byamukama might not be a common figure for majority fans as his different appointments at the Federation of Uganda Football Association do not necessarily require him to regularly front his face. Currently he is the Chairman Marketing, Communications and Sponsorship and also the chairman of the FUFA Drum.
Byamukama is set to test his political energies by contesting for the Masindi Municipality MP Seat.
Denis Mbidde Ssebugwawo (MP Rubaga South)
For long Denis Mbidde has been administratively very active in the entire sports sector working with different sports entities that include; FUFA, National Council of Sports, Corporate League, Masaza Cup committee, SC Villa and Falcons Basketball club.
His venture into politics is not that surprising as we can only wait for how he will fare in the Rubaga South MP race.
Geoffrey Kayemba Solo (MP Bukomansimbi South):
To many he’s most famous as a manager for musicians Rema Namakula and Chris Evans, but Kayemba Solo also stretches in football as a players’ agent.
Just after the last AFCON, he engineered the transfer of Uganda Cranes midfielder Khalid Aucho to Egyptian side El-Makkasa. Kayemba is ready to spread his wings wider by joining active politics. He’s a renowned member of the People Power Movement and set to oust incumbent Deogracius Kiyingi from Bukomansimbi.