2026 Elections: Journalists jostle for political offices

The newsroom has long served as a fertile ground for political recruitment, with many journalists hanging up their microphones and notebooks to venture into elective politics. In the current parliamentary term, Joel Ssenyonyi and Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, arguably two of the most prolific and exposed legislators, are prime examples. The latter spent more than three decades as a reporter before transitioning to politics.

One of the most compelling reasons for this career shift is the stark contrast in financial rewards. On average, a Ugandan journalist earns between Shs1m and Shs2.5m monthly, depending on their role. However, freelance journalists, who are paid per story, earn as little as Shs12,000 to Shs150,000 per piece. Radio journalists fare even worse, taking home a meagre Shs3,000 to Shs5,000 per filed copy.

In contrast, a Ugandan legislator earns between Shs24m and Shs30m monthly, in addition to a Shs200m car grant upon assuming office, alongside other allowances and benefits. This represents a staggering 500 percent difference in earnings between the two professions.

If financial incentives are not reason enough for journalists to dive into the murky waters of politics, one might wonder what else could be. Over the past 15 years (spanning three elective terms), at least 10 to 15 journalists nationwide have quit their jobs to pursue political office. However, only five or fewer have successfully made it to Parliament. Those who often excel as legislators, leverage their deep understanding of societal issues, public sentiment, and political processes.

As the election season gains momentum, several journalists across the country have already thrown their hats into the ring. Here are some who are likely to become legislators next year.

Zambali Bulasio Mukasa (NBS)

During the recent by-election in Kawempe North, Bulasio shocked many when he took to the stage at Komamboga grounds and declared his intentions to run for the Nansana Municipality constituency seat. This came moments after he moderated a political show on NBS, where he was expected to maintain neutrality. Instead, he openly declared his allegiance to the National Unity Platform (NUP). His employers promptly suspended him, pending an explanation for his partisan actions. In an interview, Bulasio defended his decision, stating, “In the newsroom, there are things you are scripted to say and do, even when they conflict with your integrity. It is time for those of us who see societal wrongs to step up and address them.”

He believes his constituents in Nansana Municipality lack a strong voice and is confident he can provide better representation.

“Our role as leaders is legislation, oversight, and representation. If the current leader fails, it is our civic duty to challenge them. That is what I have done. I am the voice of Nansana,” he asserted.

Charles Mwanguhya Mpagi (NBS)

Mwanguhya, who previously ran for the Burahya County seat in the 2021 general elections, is gearing up for another attempt. Despite polling an impressive 17,083 votes, he lost to Stephen Kasaija Kagwera, whom he accuses of underperformance.

“It is better to jump into the swamp and wade through the mud than to stand on the sidelines and point out flaws. I believe it is time to roll up our sleeves and make a direct impact,” Mwanguhya says.

A seasoned journalist, Mwanguhya previously served as a bureau chief for the East African newspaper and worked with Daily Monitor and NTV. After his unsuccessful bid, he returned to NBS as the host of the political show, Frontline. Reflecting on his first attempt, he said, “I encountered dynamics I had not anticipated. Now, I am better prepared to navigate them.

John Baptist Ouma

Ouma, a lawyer by training, briefly worked in various media houses in Bugiri and Busoga before venturing into politics. Unlike his peers, he admits journalism was never his passion but a means to gain perspective. At just 28, Ouma is vying for the Eastern Youth MP seat, citing poor representation of youth in the region. He highlights challenges such as unemployment, smuggling at border points, and the struggles of island youth who rely on illegal fishing due to the high cost of standard fishing nets.

“Our campaign is issue-based. While the government has introduced poverty-eradication projects, there is a need for a consultative pilot to address region-specific challenges,” Ouma explained.

Ouma’s political journey began at Uganda Christian University, where he served as MP for non-residents, and later as guild president at the Law Development Centre in Mbarara. He now works as a junior lawyer for Parliament’s Education Committee.

“Representing youth comes with its challenges, including criticism from older generations. But our goal is to secure a seat at the decision-making table and advocate for the majority—Uganda’s youth,” he asserted.

Steven Ariong (Daily Monitor)

Ariong, a respected reporter in Teso sub-region, has built a reputation for impactful storytelling that resonates with the community. His popularity has now translated into political ambition, as he seeks to replace Emmanuel Omoding, the son of the late Serere County MP Patrick Okabe, who died in a tragic accident in December 2022. In the last election, Omoding narrowly won with 15,638 votes against the NRM candidate’s 13,206. Ariong believes it is time to break the cycle of hereditary politics.

“We made the mistake of thinking politics is a hereditary venture. Now, we are suffering because of it. I am here to offer solutions, not perpetuate neglect,” Ariong said, adding, “Our people lack basic amenities, and our MP has failed to lobby for them. I have stepped in to fill that gap,” he added.

Victoria Bagaaya (NBS)

Like Bulasio, Bagaaya was suspended from NBS after announcing her political ambitions. The veteran journalist, who has worked as a reporter and show host, is running for the Fort Portal City seat on the NRM ticket. Despite multiple attempts, she could not be reached for comment.

Rashul Adidi (NTV)

 “For someone to have spent a good number of years in the newsroom touching base with the communities around them, the facts of the different struggles of the people they meet every day stare at them glaringly. If you can highlight the plight, well and good but it takes conviction for you to get your hands a little dirty participating in finding solutions to these,” Mr Adidi says this is the reason for contesting for Northern Youth MP in the coming election.

Adidi, who has been the NTV bureau chief in the area, says journalists have limitations in helping see communities develop, that is why he feels that he has been able to identify what problems the youth in the North have been education, health, poverty and education.

The northern region has four major sub-regions with Lango having 10 administrative areas; West Nile with 14 administrative areas, Acholi 12, while Karamoja has nine.

But Adidi says these share problems caused by effects from the war, which resulted in low levels of education as the many children were always on the run during the 20 years of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) in the region. This has created an unemployment crisis dangling at 19 per cent as per Uganda Bureau of Statistics figures of last year.

“The government has tried to create skill centres in the different sub-regions but the challenge is that the youth do not have start-up capital after acquiring the skills, so we want to solve this. Our youth council receives only Shs4m per financial year, you wonder what this is going to help,” Adidi says.

Eriasa Sserunjogi Mukiibi

Veteran journalist Eriasa Sserunjogi Mukiibi is gearing up to take on seasoned politician Muwanga Kivumbi for the Butambala County parliamentary seat in the 2026 elections. Despite having no prior prominence in partisan politics, Mukiibi has been steadily gaining traction among voters, many of whom are dissatisfied with the incumbent’s track record on service delivery. Mukiibi has had an impressive career, working with renowned media outlets such as Daily Monitor, Al Jazeera, The Independent and The Sunrise.

OTHER ASPIRANTS

Joseph Odama (UBC TV)

Edward Eninu (Uganda Radio Network)

Julius Nabimanya (NBS TV)

Notable journalists turned politicians

Joel Ssenyonyi (Nakawa West)

Agnes Nandutu (Bududa Woman MP, former Minister of State for Karamoja Affairs)

Hajj Bashir Kazibwe Mbaziira (Kawempe Nort