Kampala, Uganda — November 2025:
Veteran conservative leader John Ken Lukyamuzi makes a political comeback as he seeks the Rubaga South Parliamentary seat ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Veteran conservative politician John Ken Lukyamuzi, widely known as “The Man,” has officially returned to elective politics after a decade-long absence, declaring his intention to contest for the Rubaga South Parliamentary seat in the 2026 general elections. Lukyamuzi, now 72, made a dramatic comeback as he joined hundreds of aspirants at the Electoral Commission offices in Kampala for the nomination exercise, drawing large crowds and notable attention.
Lukyamuzi, who previously represented Rubaga South in Parliament, told journalists that his decision to return was inspired by what he described as a leadership vacuum in his former constituency. He argued that the people of Rubaga South had suffered declining service delivery and needed a leader with both experience and conviction to steer the constituency back on course.
Pull Quote: “I have been receiving indescribable cheers, a symbol that I have been welcomed in a big way.”
Addressing the press shortly after his nomination, an energized Lukyamuzi said he was overwhelmed by the warm reception he received from supporters who lined the streets as he arrived at the commission. He interpreted the cheers as a clear message that the electorate longs for his style of leadership once again.
Pull Quote: “I have come to rescue the people of Rubaga South. For the past ten years nothing has been going on in Rubaga South.”
According to Lukyamuzi, Rubaga South has stagnated over the last decade because of what he termed as inadequate leadership. He vowed to reinvigorate service delivery, strengthen community development programs, and champion accountability in public offices once he returns to Parliament. He emphasized that the constituency deserves a representative who will not only legislate but also act as a watchdog for public resources.
Beyond constituency matters, Lukyamuzi used the occasion to outline his broader national agenda rooted in conservative ideology. Drawing inspiration from Kabaka Yekka—the pre-independence political movement that aligned itself with the Buganda monarchy—he argued that Uganda must revisit constitutional arrangements that recognize regional autonomy.
Pull Quote: “The people got their independence in the form of regional governance. Since Obote abandoned that course of action, we have never recovered.”
With this, Lukyamuzi signaled that federalism remains a key pillar of his political convictions. He pledged to advocate for constitutional reforms that would reintroduce regional governance structures, which he believes would restore true independence and balanced development across the country.
He also criticized the performance of the 11th Parliament, accusing legislators of failing to represent the interests of Ugandans effectively. In particular, he noted that Parliament “missed an opportunity” to push for comprehensive electoral reforms, especially those recommended by the Supreme Court in the landmark Amama Mbabazi vs Electoral Commission presidential petition.
Pull Quote: “The eleventh parliament has not served Ugandans at all.”
Lukyamuzi’s return is expected to reshape the political landscape of Rubaga South, a constituency known for its vibrant and competitive elections. As the 2026 campaigns draw closer, his entry adds both nostalgia and intensity to the race—bringing back a familiar political heavyweight whose influence and oratory once dominated national debate.
Whether Lukyamuzi’s comeback will translate into victory remains to be seen, but his message is clear: he believes Rubaga South is ready for a return to conservative leadership, and he intends to be the man to deliver it.
