Several former government officials and ministers who had previously lost their parliamentary seats have made successful political comebacks in the recently concluded general elections, securing a return to Parliament ahead of the 12th Parliament, whose term will run until 2031.
The returning legislators are now awaiting swearing-in to resume parliamentary duties after spending years outside the House.
In Mawokota North, a constituency that had leaned toward the National Unity Platform (NUP) during the 2022 by-election, former minister Amelia Kyambadde reclaimed the seat after defeating incumbent MP Hillary Kiyaga, popularly known as Hilderman.
Kyambadde had exited Parliament following her loss in 2022 but staged a strong comeback in what was widely described as a tense and closely contested race.
Judith Nabakooba, the Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, also returned to Parliament after winning the Woman Member of Parliament seat for Mityana Municipality. Nabakooba had previously lost the seat to NUP’s Joyce Bagala but regained it after a competitive election that marked a significant political shift in the area.
Former Security Minister Henry Tumukunde, who contested for the presidency in the 2021 general elections, secured a return to Parliament after winning the Rukungiri Municipality MP seat. Tumukunde garnered 7,119 votes to defeat the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) candidate, Ingrid Turinawe.
Minister of Microfinance Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo also made a comeback after defeating the incumbent NUP legislator to reclaim the Kyotera County parliamentary seat.
Veteran politician Dr Crispus Kiyonga, who serves as Chancellor of Makerere University, was elected Member of Parliament for Bukonzo County West, marking his return to the national legislature.
Former Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Dr Elioda Tumwesigye returned to Parliament after winning the Sheema North MP seat, while Prof Ephraim Kamuntu reclaimed the Sheema South parliamentary seat.
Gerald Karuhanga also returned to Parliament after defeating incumbent MP Yona Musinguzi in the Ntungamo Municipality race.
Former State Minister Samuel Engola secured a return to the House after winning the Erute County MP seat.
With their victories confirmed, the returning legislators are expected to take the oath of office and resume legislative duties as Parliament prepares for the new term running until 2031.
