Kampala, Uganda: President Museveni’s veteran cabinet ministers; Maj. Gen. Jim Muhwezi (Security) and Matia Kasaija (Finance) have announced that they will not seek re-election beyond the 2026 term, marking the end of an era in Uganda’s parliamentary politics.
Muhwezi, the long-serving Rujumbura County MP, said Wednesday that the 2026–2031 term will be his last, as he picked nomination forms from the ruling NRM Electoral Commission offices in Kampala.
“I intend to make this my last term,” Muhwezi said. “I want to complete the programs we have started in health, education, water, electricity, and roads.”
Pressed on his legislative vision, Muhwezi said his core priority remains delivering services to his people. “I want to take electricity, water, and roads to all the villages in my constituency,” he emphasized.
A historical figure in the NRM bush war and one of Uganda’s longest-serving legislators, Muhwezi lost his parliamentary seat in 2016 and was dropped from Cabinet, only to return in 2021, regaining both the Rujumbura seat and a Cabinet post.
His counterpart, Matia Kasaija of Finance, also confirmed that this will be his final attempt at representing Buyanja County. Speaking with characteristic confidence, Kasaija challenged younger politicians to face him in the NRM primaries set for July 16.
“I don’t see anyone with the potential to serve Buyanja like I’ve done,” the 81-year-old minister said. “Let them come and see how I beat them again.”
Elsewhere, 2nd Deputy Prime Minister Gen. (Rtd) Moses Ali, 86, also picked up nomination forms to run again in Adjumani West County. Due to health concerns, party officials handed the forms to him through his vehicle window.
In contrast, Water and Environment Minister Sam Cheptoris, 75, announced his retirement from parliamentary politics.
“I believe I have contributed a lot to this great nation. It’s time to relax and have fun with my family,” said the Kapchorwa Municipality MP. “Please vote wisely and avoid monetary politics.”
The NRM Electoral Commission has set July 16 as the date for party primaries, which will be conducted by lining up behind preferred candidates, a method that continues to stir debate over transparency and voter privacy.
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