From Ssemujju, Mpuuga to Katuntu: Big names you’ll miss in Uganda’s 12th Parliament

Kampala, Uganda: The 2026 parliamentary elections delivered a dramatic shake-up in Uganda’s legislature, sweeping out a number of seasoned lawmakers and political heavyweights whose influence shaped national debate over the last decade.

Many familiar faces will not return to the 12th Parliament, marking the end of long political careers that defined struggles for accountability, rights and governance across the country.

Below is a look at prominent MPs who will be dearly missed, their constituencies, and who won the seats respectively where available.

1. Mathias Mpuuga – Nyendo-Mukungwe Division (Masaka City)

Mathias Mpuuga was a stalwart of opposition politics, serving as Leader of the Opposition and representing the Masaka area since 2011. His defeat, at the hands of Gyaviira Sebina Lubowa (NUP), marks a significant loss for seasoned legislative leadership.

2. Medard Lubega Sseggona – Busiro East

Veteran lawyer and independent MP Medard Sseggona lost his Busiro East seat to NUP-leaning independent candidate Emmanuel Magoola in a fierce race, as part of a broader wave of losses by high-profile legislators.

3. Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda – Kiira Municipality

A journalist-turned-lawmaker and prominent opposition voice, Ssemujju was unseated by NUP’s George Musisi in a major upset, underscoring shifting political sentiments in central Uganda.

4. Abed Bwanika – Kimanya-Kabonera (Masaka City)

Veteran politician and founder of the People’s Development Party, Abed Bwanika, will not be in the next Parliament. He had represented Kimanya-Kabonera after joining NUP in 2021, but failed to retain the seat in 2026 after losing to Patrick Kuteesa of the NUP.

5. Asuman Basalirwa – Bugiri Municipality

Leader of the Justice Forum (JEEMA) and a vocal critic on national issues, Basalirwa lost his seat in Bugiri Municipality to NRM’s Sadala Wandera as part of 2026’s broad turnover.

6. Others who fell in 2026 polls

Several other notable legislators will also be absent in the next term:

7. Barnabas Tinkasimire, long-time MP from Bunyoro region (Ganda area parliamentary shake-ups saw multiple incumbents lose)
8. Theodore Ssekikubo, also a long-serving MP since 2001, was finally ousted by NRM’s Gen Rwashande in a highly violent Lwemiyaga parliamentary polls.
9. Hillary Kiyaga “Hilderman” — did not return in Mawokota North, losing to former Minister Amelia Kyambadde.
10. Aisha Kabanda; lost Butambala Woman to NRM-leaning Lydia Mirembe
11. Geoffrey Lutaaya; lost Kakuuto County MP seat to NRM and is now out of 2026 Parliament
12. Alex Brandon Kintu; seasoned representative leaving the Assembly as he lost to NUP’s Odur in Kagoma North
13. Luttamaguzi Ssemakula; former long-serving MP not returning after losing to NRM’s Charles Nsereko Basajjassubi in Nakaseke South race
14. David Bahati; influential legislator with ministerial roles, out of Parliament after he lost Ndorwa East seat to NRM’s Eliab Naturinda Mporere
15. Jonathan Odur; veteran lawmaker from northern Uganda lost Eruto South MP seat
16. Muwanga Kivumbi; controversial MP whose area saw violent clashes during vote counting, and who will not be part of the 12th Parliament having lost Butambala county MP seat to Independent Eriasa Mukiibi Sserunjogi.

(Note: some of the above had not yet had official EC gazette publications confirming successor MPs at the time of writing.)

Observers say the 2026 elections have unseated some of the most experienced lawmakers Uganda has known, from opposition strategists like Mpuuga and Ssemujju to independent bulwarks like Bwanika and Basalirwa.

Their absence signals a major political realignment and underscores deepening voter frustration with the political status quo. The 12th Parliament will open without several high-profile protagonists whose contributions, in committee oversight, legislative debate, and political advocacy, shaped policy and public life during the 11th Parliament.