Politics ended my Hollywood movie actor — Mbabazi

For most Ugandans, John Patrick Amama Mbabazi is a name synonymous with political resilience, nation-building, and liberation struggles. But in a rare interview, the former Prime Minister opens up about his unlikely entry into politics, life after cabinet, and his deeply rooted love for music — a passion that continues to stir his soul long after leaving public office.

Nelson Mandela Muhoozi caught up with him.

Question: You have been out of active politics for over five years. Do you miss politics?

Answer: If Idi Amin Dada had not taken power in 1971, when he overthrew the elected government of Milton Obote and declared himself president of Uganda, I would not have joined politics. That’s the truth. I was a young man with big dreams, and none of them involved politics.

I probably would have ended up in Hollywood because I loved acting — yes, I enjoyed the stage. Maybe I would have stuck to law because I had already decided to become a lawyer when I was still in primary school. But politics? No. Politics came as a response to injustice, not as a personal ambition.

So, Amin’s rise to power pushed you into political activism?

Absolutely. His regime awakened a consciousness in me — and many others — that we could not sit back. Public executions, the fear in the streets, the systematic injustice... it made it clear that something had to be done.

I devoted my life to fighting injustice. I see myself not as a politician per se, but as a warrior and combatant for the well-being of society. That has always been my mission: asking myself, “What can I do to make society better?”

How is life out of Cabinet treating you?

It has been a time for reflection, but also involvement in causes I deeply believe in such as peace-building, and most recently, music. I am still a peacemaker, still involved in initiatives that promote unity and reconciliation. But life after Cabinet has also allowed me to reconnect with my earlier passions. I have found joy and meaning in supporting artistic and cultural expressions that foster unity among Ugandans.

You said you are into music; are you referring to your involvement with the National Martyrs Choral Festival?

Yes, absolutely. The National Martyrs Choral Festival, which Vision Group established last year, is something I wholeheartedly support. Music is powerful; it transcends boundaries, speaks to the soul, and unites people in ways that politics often fails to do. I attended the last festival and was completely moved. I actually found myself glued to the choir, and I even stood up to join them and dance!

That’s quite an image! Have you been involved in music before?

Well, about 65 years ago, I used to sing in both the school and church choir. It has been a long time, but the love never left. I also have a daughter who is trained in music, and I have learnt a lot from her. So yes, music has always been there in my life, just beneath the surface.

What struck you most about the choral festival?

The unity. Seeing Catholics and Anglicans singing together, that moved me. Growing up, one was not allowed to even meet Catholics. And when we did meet later, there were clashes. Religion deeply divided us. So, witnessing such harmony, where faiths come together in one voice, is amazing.

That is the message Uganda needs — unity, reconciliation and shared purpose. Maybe we can even expand the festival to include Muslims too. Because at the end of the day, we are one people.

You mentioned that the martyrs’ message goes beyond religion, can you explain?

Yes. Martyrs aren’t just religious figures. We also have political martyrs, who stood against oppression and paid the ultimate price. Think of Patrice Lumumba or Thomas Sankara. They died for justice, for freedom.

And so, the choral festival is symbolic, it reminds us that everyone should have a cause, something bigger than themselves. The martyrs’ legacy is about sacrifice for what is right, and that resonates across faiths, ideologies and generations.

Do you see yourself continuing to support this festival and similar causes?

Without a doubt. I will continue to support the National Martyrs Choral Festival and any initiative that unites Ugandans and uplifts the human spirit. Music, to me, is more than art — it is a tool for healing, for bridging divides, for building a better nation.

As Victor Zuckerkandl [Jewish-Austrian musicologist] said: “Music is a universal language, not because everyone understands it, but because it is made of a homogeneous material — the tones.” And that’s exactly what we need in Uganda right now — harmony.

National Martyrs Choral Festival

How to register for choral festival

1. Register your choir for sh100,000 using Airtel Money or MTN Mobile Money.

2. Airtel Money: Dial *185*9#, enter code 1175850, amount and customer reference

3. MTN Mobile Money: Dial *165#, select Payments, Goods and Services, enter merchant code (NV3)

4. Submit a three-minute video of your choir singing a hymn (live performance, no miming or pre-recorded audio) along with the payment ID. Ensure the recording is natural and authentic to showcase your choir’s true vocal quality.

What it takes to win Choral Festival

Douglas Batte, the director of the Africhorus Choir, which won the inaugural competition that took place at Kampala Serena Hotel last year, said: “To win, a choir must go beyond just singing.

It is about artistic interpretation, technical precision and stage presence. Choose songs that highlight your choir’s strengths. And remember, a positive mindset can transform an average performance into something magical. A choir’s connection to the music is paramount.”