In the vibrant and historically significant constituency of Rubaga South, Aloysius Mukasa has emerged as a dedicated and resilient Member of Parliament (MP) since his election in January 2021.
Representing the National Unity Platform (NUP), Mukasa has navigated the complexities of parliamentary life and local leadership with a commitment to his constituents’ welfare.
As the 2026 general elections approach, Mukasa’s record, responsiveness, and vision make a compelling case for his re-election. This op-ed explores why Mukasa has been an effective MP and why he deserves another term to continue serving Rubaga South.
A Grassroots Leader Rooted in Rubaga South
Aloysius Mukasa’s connection to Rubaga South is deeply personal. Born to Aloysius Kalyango and Annet Nayiga, Mukasa was raised in Mutundwe, a neighborhood within the constituency.
His upbringing by his mother in this community gave him an intimate understanding of the challenges faced by ordinary residents—issues like inadequate public infrastructure, unemployment, and access to basic services.
This grassroots connection has shaped Mukasa into a relatable and approachable leader, a quality that sets him apart in a political landscape often criticized for being detached.
His magnificent home in Najjanankumbi is not just a symbol of personal success but a testament to his investment in the constituency he calls home.
Before entering politics, Mukasa was a successful businessman, owning Bex Limited, a company producing disinfectants, and dealing in food supplements.
This entrepreneurial background equipped him with practical problem-solving skills and a results-oriented mindset, which he has brought to his parliamentary role.
His transition from business to politics was driven by a desire to serve, a motivation that continues to define his tenure.
A Voice for the Voiceless: Advocacy at Busega Market
One of Mukasa’s most notable acts as MP was his courageous intervention at the newly opened Busega Market in December 2024.
Responding to complaints from vendors about unfair stall allocations, Mukasa visited the market to investigate.
This decision, though risky, underscored his commitment to addressing constituents’ grievances directly. The visit turned volatile, with an angry mob threatening him, yet Mukasa escaped unharmed and vowed to continue advocating for fairness and transparency.
The police subsequently enhanced security at the market, a direct outcome of his intervention. This incident highlights Mukasa’s willingness to put himself on the line for his people, a hallmark of true leadership.
While critics may point to the confrontation as a misstep, it reflects Mukasa’s proactive approach.
Rather than remaining in the safety of parliamentary chambers, he engaged directly with the community, listened to their concerns, and sought solutions.
His promise to continue fighting for transparency in market operations demonstrates a resolve to tackle systemic issues, even at personal risk.
A Loyal and Popular NUP Stalwart
Mukasa’s loyalty to NUP and its leadership has been unwavering, a quality that resonates with Rubaga South’s voters, who overwhelmingly supported NUP in 2021.
His active campaigning for NUP presidential candidate Robert Ssentamu Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine) during the 2021 elections cemented his reputation as a party loyalist.
Political analysts have noted Mukasa’s popularity and strong connection with voters, describing him as “powerful, popular, and loyal” to both his constituents and NUP.
This loyalty extends to his consistent presence in the constituency, where he engages with residents across villages, addressing their concerns and championing their aspirations.
In a constituency with a rich political history, once considered the “spiritual home” of the Democratic Party (DP), Mukasa’s ability to shift Rubaga South’s allegiance to NUP in 2021 was no small feat.
His landslide victory, riding the NUP wave, ended DP’s dominance and established him as a formidable political force.
This achievement reflects his ability to connect with voters and inspire confidence in his leadership.
Addressing Critical Issues: Public Toilets and Beyond
While Mukasa’s parliamentary contributions have faced scrutiny, his record includes notable efforts to address pressing local issues.
In May 2022, he raised a significant concern in Parliament about Kampala’s inadequate public toilet infrastructure, noting that a city of approximately 4.5 million people had only 16 public toilets.
This intervention brought attention to a critical public health and sanitation issue, particularly relevant to Rubaga South’s densely populated urban areas.
By spotlighting this problem, Mukasa demonstrated an awareness of the everyday challenges faced by his constituents, from market vendors to ordinary residents.
Though some critics, including a 2024 Monitor article, have described Mukasa’s parliamentary performance as “wanting” due to limited vocal contributions, this perspective overlooks the broader context of his work.
As a first-term MP, Mukasa has been navigating the learning curve of parliamentary procedures, a challenge acknowledged by former NUP leader Mathias Mpuuga.
Moreover, parliamentary impact is not solely measured by speeches but by constituency-level engagement, where Mukasa excels.
His regular village visits and responsiveness to local issues, such as the Busega Market controversy, demonstrate a commitment to results over rhetoric.
A Vision for Rubaga South’s Future
Mukasa’s tenure has laid a foundation for continued progress in Rubaga South. His business acumen positions him to advocate for economic opportunities, such as supporting local entrepreneurs and improving market infrastructure to boost trade.
His focus on public health, as seen in his sanitation advocacy, aligns with the constituency’s need for better urban planning and services.
Additionally, his loyalty to NUP ensures that Rubaga South remains aligned with a party advocating for systemic change, a priority for voters seeking an alternative to the status quo.
Looking ahead, Mukasa’s experience as MP equips him to be even more effective in a second term. He has built relationships within Parliament and the constituency, giving him the leverage to push for legislation and resources that benefit Rubaga South.
His resilience in the face of challenges, from the Busega Market incident to political competition, proves his ability to withstand pressure and deliver results.
With rivals like Habib Buwembo and Eugenia Nassolo eyeing the NUP ticket, Mukasa’s track record and voter loyalty give him a strong edge.
Addressing the Critics
Critics, including some within NUP, have argued that Mukasa’s parliamentary presence lacks visibility, citing his limited contributions to debates or committees.
However, this critique ignores the realities of a first-term MP adapting to a complex institution. Mpuuga’s 2021 comment about some MPs, including Mukasa, needing “initiation” reflects a broader challenge for newcomers, not a personal failing. Mukasa’s focus on constituency work—evident in his market visits and voter engagement—suggests a deliberate prioritization of local needs over parliamentary grandstanding.
Furthermore, the assertion that Mukasa is “vulnerable” in the upcoming NUP primaries overlooks his strong voter base and party loyalty.
Political analyst reports, such as those from News Editor in 2023, affirm his popularity and predict his return to Parliament in 2026. Mukasa’s ability to secure a convincing victory in 2021, despite competition from seasoned candidates like Kato Lubwama and Eugenia Nassolo, underscores his electoral strength.
Why Another Term?
Aloysius Mukasa deserves another term because he embodies the qualities Rubaga South needs: accessibility, resilience, and a deep connection to the community.
His actions, from confronting market injustices to raising sanitation issues, show a leader who listens and acts.
His loyalty to NUP aligns him with the aspirations of a constituency seeking transformative change. As a businessman-turned-politician, Mukasa brings practical solutions to complex problems, a skill set that will drive economic and social progress in Rubaga South.
The 2026 elections will test Mukasa’s mettle, but his record speaks for itself. He has weathered challenges, from mob threats to political rivalries, with grace and determination.
Rubaga South’s voters have a chance to retain a leader who knows their struggles, lives among them, and fights for their future.
By re-electing Aloysius Mukasa, Rubaga South can ensure continued representation that is rooted in the community and committed to its growth.
Let us rally behind Mukasa, a son of Rubaga South, to build a brighter future for our constituency. His work is far from done, and with another term, he can deliver even more for the people who elected him.
The writer is Concerned Citizen and Advocate for Rubaga South.