Ugandan musician Ibrahim Mayanja, popularly known as Big Eye, has hit back at critics who have questioned his ability to serve as Member of Parliament (MP) for Nansana Municipality, following his recent political announcement.
Last week, Big Eye declared his intention to run for the Nansana MP seat in the 2026 general elections under the National Unity Platform (NUP) ticket, a move that sparked mixed reactions. While some people welcomed his bid, others criticized him, claiming he lacks the ability to express himself in fluent English, an essential skill for parliamentary debates.
Big Eye’s Response to Critics
In response to the backlash, Big Eye dismissed the criticism, arguing that leadership is about service delivery and not merely speaking English.
“Parliament is not all about speaking English. It’s about delivering services to the people. The people need proper representation and service delivery, and that’s where I am going to put my emphasis when I enter the Parliament of Uganda,” Big Eye stated during an interview with a local YouTuber.
His statement suggests that his primary focus will be on grassroots representation and tangible development projects, rather than formal eloquence in English.
The Road Ahead: Competition for the NUP Ticket
Although Big Eye has expressed confidence in his campaign, he still faces a major hurdle within the NUP party itself. The ruling MP for Nansana, Wakayima Musoke, is also a member of NUP and is expected to seek re-election. Additionally, Zambali Bulasio Mukasa, a journalist from NBS TV, and another candidate, Serukuma John Bosco, have also shown interest in the seat.
Will Big Eye Overcome the Challenges?
To secure the NUP nomination, Big Eye will have to:
- Convince NUP’s leadership and supporters that he is the best candidate for the party.
- Prove his ability to mobilize grassroots support in Nansana.
- Address public concerns about his leadership skills beyond his musical background.
With the 2026 elections fast approaching, it remains to be seen whether Big Eye’s argument for service delivery over English proficiency will resonate with voters and his party.