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Bukooli North MP Stephen Baka Mugabi
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Bukooli North MP Stephen Baka Mugabi, who had previously declared his intention not to contest in the 2026 elections, has made a surprising U-turn this week. Mugabi informed voters that his change of heart was prompted by his recent appointment by the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) as the chairperson of Parliament’s Committee on Legal Affairs. Mugabi had publicly announced during earlier events that he would not seek re-election in 2026. However, voters attending the official commissioning of a health center at Busowa Town Council were taken aback when he "ate his words" and reversed his decision to retire.
When he initially announced his retirement, Mugabi expressed disappointment at not being appointed to a ministerial position, despite his long service to the NRM both within and outside Parliament. "I had decided to give up on active politics, but with this appointment as chairperson of the Legal Committee, I see hope from my boss, the President, that one day I might receive something bigger," he remarked, drawing laughter from the crowd. Mugabi revealed that when the NRM’s top decision-making body, the Central Executive Committee (CEC), recently appointed him as chairperson of the Legal Committee of Parliament, he felt re-energized. He also mentioned that he plans to meet with his supporters to seek their opinions before making a final decision on whether to run in the 2026 elections.
Ten candidates had already shown interest in contesting for his seat after he initially announced his decision not to run in 2026.
Currently serving his third term in Parliament, Mugabi previously worked as the Director in charge of Youth Affairs at State House before entering active politics. However, Mohamed Mugoya, also known as Kifefe, a political analyst in Bugiri, noted that Mugabi faces an uphill battle in convincing voters to support him in the 2026 elections. Many of his supporters have accused him of neglecting public functions in the area and failing to fulfill his promises.
Torch Media Africa
