Can MP Mugabi win back Bukooli voters' trust after years of silence?

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BUGIRI

He said he was gone; never to return to the political scene come 2026.

However, incumbent Bukooli North Member of Parliament Stephen Baka Mugabi says he regrets his utterance three years ago and announcing his retirement. It appears that after realising that political power is sweater, especially considering the perks that come with the office in the House, it is after all foolish to even leave the arena.

Despite announcing his retirement in 2022, Mugabi says he is back and going nowhere. And this time, armed with tents… and hoes, he is gunning for the same seat come the 2026 general election.

He made the announcement after accusing his party, the National Resistance Movement (NRM), of betraying him by denying him ministerial appointments despite his loyalty as a committed cadre since 1997.

However, during a meeting with supporters at his home in Namayemba town council on Monday, June 2, 2025, Mugabi revealed that a change of heart came after being appointed to lead the Parliamentary Legal Committee — a position nominated by President Yoweri Museveni, who also chairs the NRM.

“I’m glad that my President has finally seen the potential I bring,” Mugabi told the gathering. “I believe this is a sign that it’s time to return and continue serving my people.”

Political redemption

He apologised to his supporters for reneging on his earlier decision to retire and failing to fulfil some of his previous campaign promises.

“I want to ask for your forgiveness for not delivering on all my promises,” Mugabi said. “But I assure you, I will start distributing the three tents promised to each household, followed by hoes, to help our people grow food and improve their household incomes.” His words were met with loud applause.

Mugabi also expressed optimism about the election of Bukooli Central MP Solomon Silwany as NRM chairperson at the district level. He believes this will bring greater transparency, especially during the flag-bearer nomination process.

“In the 2016 parliamentary elections, I was denied a chance to run under the NRM ticket because the local leadership wasn’t good,” Mugabi recalled. “That’s why I ran as an independent — and lost to Guster Mugoya.”

Indeed, in 2016, Mugabi contested the Bukooli North seat as an independent after losing the NRM primaries to Mugoya. He later lost the general election to Mugoya again.

This time around, Mugabi claims he's returning due to persistent pressure from his loyal supporters.

“My people have accused me of betraying them by stepping away from the race,” he admitted.

However, Mugabi faces stiff competition. Ten aspirants, including his former rival and ex-MP Mugoya, Dr Taddeo Bwire, George Maganda, Joseph Okeya, Aron Ogutu, Isaac Nakendo, Albert Okware and Bilali Higenyi, have already declared their intentions to contest the NRM party primaries for the Bukooli North seat.

Critics are already questioning whether Mugabi can reclaim public trust after nearly three years of absence — during which he skipped most community events and stayed out of the spotlight.

Despite this, some of his supporters remain confident.

Pastor Charles Okware, one of Mugabi’s loyalists, believes he stands a strong chance of returning to Parliament based on his past record of fulfilling campaign promises.

Yasin Mugoya, another supporter, urged other contestants to step aside and give Mugabi space to deliver on his projects for the people of Bukooli North.

As the 2026 race heats up, all eyes will be on Mugabi — not just to see if he can win, but whether he can prove he’s truly back for the people… or just for the power.