Major shake-up in Muslim Caucus as 62% of MPs lose seats
By Jafar Mugera
An analysis of this year’s parliamentary election results shows a dramatic reconfiguration of the Muslim Parliamentary Caucus, with nearly two-thirds of its incumbent members voted out. While the overall number of Muslim MPs has increased, the scale of turnover—claiming even the majority of current caucus leaders, projects a shift in the caucus’ internal power dynamics.
According to official results released by the Electoral Commission, the new Parliament—due to take effect in May—will have at least 52 Muslim MPs, with the number potentially rising to 53 if Bumali Mpindi is re-elected as the MP representing persons with disabilities. The outgoing Parliament had 50 Muslim MPs.
Of the 50 Muslim MPs in the outgoing Parliament, only 20 incumbents were re-elected. Hassan Kirumira (Katikamu South), the deputy imam of the Muslim Parliamentary Caucus, was the only member of the caucus leadership to retain his seat. The imam, Abdul Mutumba (Kiboga West); chairperson, Asuman Basalirwa (Bugiri Municipality); vice chairperson, Iddi Isabirye (Bunya South); treasurer, Yusuf Nsibambi (Mawokota South); and the secretary, Aisha Kabanda (Butambala Woman) all lost their re-election bids.
Two caucus members—Muhammad Nsereko (Kampala Central) and Bashir Kazibwe (Kawempe South)—did not seek re-election.
OLD GUARDS
The 2nd Deputy Prime Minister and patron of the caucus, Gen. Moses Ali, tops the list of incumbents returning to the 12th Parliament, followed by the 3rd Deputy Prime Minister, Rukia Nakadama Isanga.
Gen. Abubakar Jeje Odong (Foreign Affairs) is the only full minister on the list, which also includes state ministers: Aisha Sekindi (Water), Anifa Kawooya (Health), and Huda Oleru Abason (Veteran Affairs).
Other returning MPs include Moses Magogo (Budiope East), Abubaker Kawalya (Rubaga North), Elias Nalukoola (Kawempe North), Muhammad Ssentayi (Bukoto West), and Shamim Malende (Kampala Woman).
The list also has; Muwada Nkunyingi (Kyadondo East), Noah Musa (Koboko North), Karim Masaba (Mbale Industrial Division), Fadil Twalla (Tingey), Muhammad Kibedi Nsegumire (Mityana North), Abdallah Kiwanuka (Mukono North), and Isaac Ismail Otimgiw (Padyere).
NEW FACES
The new entrants are the minister for Kampala, Hajjat Minsa Kabanda (Kampala Central), Madinah Nsereko (Kawempe South), Zahara Luyirika (Makindye West), Ali Kasirye Nganda (Makindye East), Sulaiman Kiwanuka (Nakifuma), Summaya Nabawanuka (Mubende Municipality), and Hassan Mukiibi Sserunjogi (Bukomansimbi South).
Bukomansimbi North elected Salim Kisekka, while Yusuf Kiruluuta won in Kalungu East.
In Bugweri, Sadala Wandera defeated veteran politician Abdul Katuntu, and Mariam Seif took the Iganga Woman MP seat. Iganga Municipality chose Abed Mudiobole, with neighbouring Kamuli Municipality voting Mastullah Namatovu. In Butambala, journalist Eriasa Mukiibi Sserunjogi ended Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi’s 15-year tenure.
Comedian Hussein Muyonjo, popularly known as Swengere, joins Parliament from Jinja North, while Hassan Kaps Fungaroo made a comeback from Obongi. Hakim Kizza Sawula replaces Dr. Twaha Kagabo in Bukoto South, while Ismail Lubega Kaka defeated musician Geoffrey Lutaaya in Kakuuto.
Muzaid Khemis won in Arua Central Division, Iddi Basajjabalaba took the Bushenyi–Ishaka Municipality seat, and state minister for Microfinance Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo recaptured Kyotera County.
Other new MPs include Karim Musa Komoro (Aringa North), Ismail Kasule (Hoima West), Jamal Mukuve Ayagalachi (Bukhooli North), Salleh Mpaata (Bunya South), Abdul Bisaso (Kassanda South), and Ibrahim Aisu (Pallisa).
