Ex-Golf Union treasurer Paul Baite enters politics, targets parliament seat

Seasoned golfer and surveyor Paul Bajje Baite has officially joined the race to represent Bukono Constituency (Namutumba District) in parliament after being nominated as a candidate in the ongoing National Resistance Movement (NRM) party primaries.

The Aberdeen University (Scotland) schooled Baite, a son to veteran politician, Baite Munobwa, who hails from Ivukula Town Council, is seeking to secure the party flag in the upcoming internal NRM elections scheduled for 16 July 2025.

With a clear development-focused agenda, he has pledged to spearhead a people-centred campaign aimed at revamping the prospects of the constituency. 

Speaking after his nomination on Tuesday afternoon, Baite passionately appealed to the constituency to entrust him with the NRM flag, saying his representation of the constituency will be anchored on tangible service delivery. 

“There is a need to address the gap between the current representative and the residents, who have become political orphans and have been reduced to recipients of stipends for survival. Most of the constituent’s needs have been ignored. That has to change,” he said amid ululations from his supporters.

As part of his manifesto, Baite promised to fight poverty, which he says continues to afflict over 50% of the population in the constituency.  He also highlighted the dire need for clean water in the constituency and revealed that he had successfully lobbied to have piped water.  On the education front, he promised to seeking global partnerships to support performance of the schools in Bukono.

He also revealed that the Parish Development Model (PDM), a government initiative aimed at poverty eradication and socio-economic transformation by empowering households through various interventions, has registered success and promised to champion its further reach to all, not only to a few supporters of the incumbent as is the case now.

During a recent visit to Kalamira (Namutumba District) in January 2025, President Museveni reaffirmed his commitment to wealth creation.  He noted that PDM had transformed lives in Busoga.

“I encourage the beneficiaries of PDM to jealously guard the programme.  The president wants each household to chase away poverty through PDM. Beneficiaries should be careful to choose ventures that have high returns,” he advised.

Baite’s entry into the race has been received with enthusiasm by sections of the electorate, especially those keen to see change.  He is also riding on the popularity of his biological father, who is an encyclopaedia on Busoga politics and kingdom affairs.

The Bukono Constituency, comprising three town councils (Nangonde TC, Ivukula TC, and Kibale TC) and four sub-counties (Nangonde, Ivukula, Kibale, and Nabweyo), is set to witness a heated battle for the NRM primary seat.

Front runners for the NRM ticket include Paul Baite and the incumbent Persis Namuganza. Others in the race are Hajji Siraj Kirya Gusongoire, and Emmanuel Maganda Katoko.