'I didn’t even put up posters': 76-yr-old Mutonyi’s unlikely path back to Parliament

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At 76 years old, Bugisu’s oldest Member of Parliament-elect, Rose Mutonyi Masaba, has delivered one of the most inspiring and humorous political comebacks in the 2026 general elections, proving that experience, faith and grassroots support can still outweigh money and billboards.

The newly elected Manafwa District Woman Member of Parliament says she won her seat without putting up campaign posters in most electoral areas of the district.

“I didn’t even manage to put up posters, but I still went through,” Mutonyi laughed in an exclusive interview with New Vision.

“It was God, the people, and their love, nothing else.”

Her victory follows a dramatic political journey in which she lost the NRM flag to Annet Musibikha during party primaries that she says were marred by irregularities.

Rather than retreat, the veteran politician opted to contest as an independent candidate against younger rivals, including NRM’s Annet Musibikha and FDC’s Irene Mutonyi.

“I was not about to give up,” she said. “The people had not given up on me.”

Turning age into advantage

Mutonyi says her decision to run as an independent was partly fuelled by remarks from some opponents who questioned her age, strength and eyesight.

“Some were saying, ‘that one is too old, she cannot walk, she cannot even see properly,’” she recalled, laughing.

“So I said, ‘they are ridiculing my age and yet I can still hear, see, and I can still serve!’ That is when I became more determined.”

She said the criticism only strengthened her resolve.

“They pushed me into Parliament without knowing,” she said with a smile.

According to Mutonyi, voters in Manafwa came to realise that senior leaders still matter because they deliver results.

"That is why my colleagues such as Moses Ali, Speaker Emeritus Rebecca Kadaga, and even my party chairman, President Yoweri Museveni, are continuously trusted by people because of tangible results," Mutonyi said.

In a closely contested race, Mutonyi polled 28,308 votes to defeat Musibikha, who garnered 23,057 votes. Independent candidate Irene Mukimba secured 659 votes, while FDC’s Irene Mutonyi received 704 votes.

She will replace incumbent Goretti Kitutu, the former Karamoja Affairs Minister.

“God and the people carried me”

Mutonyi described modern campaigns as expensive and demanding, noting that finances were a major challenge.

“It is more expensive to run for MP today than it was back in the day,” she said.

“I found it difficult, but God’s grace and the genuine love of the people carried me through an empty pocket.”

She also praised Electoral Commission staff in Manafwa for their professionalism.

“Despite all the noise about bribery, they stood their ground and delivered the victory of the people,” she said.

A return to Parliament

Mutonyi previously served as MP for Bubulo West before the creation of Manafwa district, making her return to Parliament a symbolic homecoming.

Her comeback comes at a time when Bugisu has elected several youthful legislators, including 27-year-old Peace Khalayi, the Namisindwa Woman MP-elect, and Asha Nabulo Lumolo Mafabi.

Many view Mutonyi as a source of guidance for the new generation.

“With seniors like Mayi Mutonyi, my colleagues and I are optimistic,” Khalayi said.

“We have a reliable mentor to turn to whenever we get stuck.”

Transition taking shape

Another youthful MP-elect from Bugisu, Asha Nabulo Lumolo Mafabi, described Mutonyi’s victory as evidence that the ruling party is nurturing a balanced generational transition.

“As NRM, I think you can see that the transition is being carefully ushered in,” Lumolo said.

“Young enthusiasts in transformative leadership like me are being allowed to take on the mantle and serve alongside seniors like Hon. Mutonyi.”

She congratulated President Yoweri Museveni, First Lady and Minister of Education Janet Museveni, and Mutonyi on their victories.

“I congratulate His Excellency President Museveni, Mama Janet Museveni, colleagues, and our veteran leader Hon. Mutonyi for the victories registered.

They have inspired us to serve with discipline and humility,” Lumolo said.

She added that blending youthful energy with seasoned leadership would strengthen service delivery in the region.

“We need both the wisdom of seniors and the enthusiasm of the young. That is how Bugisu and Uganda at large will move forward,” she noted.

A mentor with a smile

Mutonyi says she is already embracing her role as a mentor with characteristic humour.

“If you see me walking slowly to Parliament,” she joked, “Just know I am saving energy for debates, not for walking!”

She said her focus will be on unity, service and guiding younger legislators to avoid political pitfalls.

“I have seen it all,” she said. “My work now is to help the young ones serve better.”