Africa-Press – Uganda. Dan Musinguzi Nabaasa cuts an unusual figure in the race for Kabale Municipality MP. He’s neither an NRM flagbearer nor an FDC mainstay.
Instead, the independent candidate, who once contested and lost in the NRM primaries in 2010, is betting that a grounded voice from business and law can help detoxify a political climate he describes as suffocating and commercialised.
“Politics has become a business,” he told in a sit-down interview.
“People come to you with a price tag for their vote. So leaders buy support, then disappear until the next election. That’s why service delivery is collapsing.”
Born in 1978 to Joy and David Musinguzi, Nabaasa spent his childhood in Kabale Municipality, rotating through Kabale Primary School and Kigezi High School before completing his A-levels in 1996.
He graduated from university in 2000, eventually establishing himself as a lawyer and logistics entrepreneur. He also owns Hills FM, a radio station that commands a loyal following in the Kigezi sub-region.
But Nabaasa insists his political ambition is not driven by vanity or ego.
“I’ve been watching presidents and leaders my whole life—Mandela, Obama, Clinton, even Museveni. What I’ve learned is this: leadership should be about productivity, not performance. Sadly, in Uganda, politics has turned into theatre.”
He says he was particularly inspired by the discipline and strategic thinking of Nelson Mandela and the communication skills of Barack Obama. But back home, he sees politics being weaponised for patronage.
“It’s frustrating. There’s too much politicking and not enough work,” he said. “Politics should not be a job—it should be service.”
Though he remains confident, Nabaasa admits the journey has not been easy. His businesses and family are based in Kampala, while his political base is firmly rooted in Kabale.
The logistical back-and-forth has been draining.
“Time is a real challenge. I have to be on the ground in Kabale, yet manage everything else in Kampala. But it’s part of the sacrifice if you want to lead.”
He’s also wary of how identity politics and religious affiliations may influence the 2026 race, particularly in the Kigezi region.
“If we aren’t careful, we’ll let religion and tribe overshadow real issues like unemployment, education, and infrastructure. We need to elect leaders who think beyond their backyard.”
Nabaasa is campaigning on a platform of economic empowerment, inclusive development, and restoring trust between voters and their leaders.
He wants to “lift the face of Kabale Municipality” through investment in youth skills, small businesses, and infrastructure.
“If I don’t have a job, how can I speak for the jobless?” he asked.
“We need leaders who are active and engaged in the economy. That’s the only way to shape policy that actually works.”
In the crowded field for Kabale Municipality, Nabaasa will be facing off against incumbent MP Dr Nicholas Kamara, along with NRM hopefuls Andrew Aja Baryayanga, Sheikh Kasiimu Kamugisha, Michael Byamungu, Alex Muhwezi, and Joseph Mutebile.
While many of them are seen as party loyalists, Nabaasa believes his independent status gives him an edge.
“I’m not bound by party politics. I answer to the people,” he said. “And if they want change that actually delivers, I believe they’ll give me a chance.”
As the 2026 race takes shape, voters in Kabale Municipality will have no shortage of candidates.
But Nabaasa is hoping that by calling out what he sees as Uganda’s political rot, he can also offer something increasingly rare in Ugandan politics: a sense of purpose.
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