Veteran musician Ronald Mayinja has officially declared his candidacy for the Makindye West parliamentary seat, confirming his long-held political ambitions. The celebrated singer, who was once a prominent figure in Uganda’s opposition politics, has now positioned himself as an independent candidate in the highly contested 2026 general elections.
Mayinja’s Political Journey: From Opposition to NRM
Ronald Mayinja was previously associated with opposition movements, particularly the National Unity Platform (NUP) and its former identity, People Power, led by musician-turned-politician Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine).
However, in 2020, Mayinja made headlines when he switched allegiance to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), a move that sparked outrage among his fans and opposition supporters. His defection was marked by his presence at President Yoweri Museveni’s campaign events, where he performed a song titled “Akalulu”, which praised the ruling party and urged Ugandans to vote for the incumbent.
Reports emerged that Mayinja had received UGX 600 million from the government to start a new political movement, a claim he neither confirmed nor denied. Instead, he defended his decision, stating that he had chosen to support “stability and progress” over political hostility.
The Battle for Makindye West
Mayinja’s entry into the Makindye West race sets the stage for a highly competitive election, as he will be challenging:
✔ Allan Sewanyana (incumbent MP, NUP)
✔ Ali Mulyanyama (Makindye Mayor, NUP)
✔ Zahara Luyirika (KCCA Speaker, NUP)
✔ Musiri Denis (Head of Institutions, NUP)
Given that Makindye West has historically been an opposition stronghold, Mayinja’s ability to convince voters despite his NRM affiliations remains a key challenge.
What Mayinja Says About His Candidacy
In his latest statement, Mayinja emphasized his commitment to leadership, stating:
"I have always wanted to serve the people of Makindye West beyond music. It is time for a leadership that prioritizes development over party politics. I am offering myself as an independent candidate to focus on issues that matter to the people."
With election campaigns set to intensify in the coming months, it remains to be seen whether Mayinja’s political gamble will pay off, or if Makindye West voters will reject him due to his shifting political affiliations.