The composition of Uganda’s 12th Parliament will change significantly following the January 15 general elections, with several long-serving and outspoken legislators losing their seats.
Among them is Busiro East Member of Parliament Medard Lubega Ssegona, a prominent legal mind and vocal parliamentary debater.
Ssegona, who contested as an independent after failing to secure the National Unity Platform (NUP) ticket, was defeated by fellow independent candidate Emmanuel Magoola.
Both contenders had earlier been locked out of the NUP primaries, forcing them to seek elective office outside the party structure.
Magoola’s campaign received notable support from Kadongo Kamu musician Mathias Walukaga, a figure closely associated with NUP.
Walukaga himself had initially expressed interest in the race but was barred from contesting due to failure to meet the minimum academic requirements.
In contrast to a wave of post-election disputes witnessed across the country, the Busiro East race concluded without legal contestation.
Ssegona conceded defeat shortly after results were declared, striking a conciliatory tone and expressing gratitude to his constituents.
“I appreciate the people of Busiro for the confidence they placed in me over three terms in Parliament,” Ssegona said. “Their decision to choose another leader must be respected. I congratulate the winner and remain available should he seek my counsel.”
Ssegona’s exit from Parliament follows a turbulent final term marked by strained relations with NUP.
Though he initially entered the House on the party’s ticket, he later fell out with the party leadership after aligning himself with former Leader of Opposition Mathias Mpuuga during the controversial approval of a Shs500 million service award.
The decision drew sharp criticism from NUP, which described it as unethical and inconsistent with the party’s values.
With his departure, Busiro East joins a growing list of constituencies sending new faces to Parliament, signaling a shifting political landscape ahead of the 12th legislature.
