By Our Reporter
The glitz and glamour of fame proved no match for grassroots politics as several big-name entertainers and media figures suffered stinging defeats in the National Resistance Movement (NRM) parliamentary primaries held on Thursday, July 17. With eyes on securing the ruling party’s ticket ahead of next year’s general elections, these familiar faces from Uganda’s entertainment scene were hoping their celebrity status would translate into political success—but the ballot box told a different story.
Racheal Magoola: A Fading Tune in Bugweri
Renowned for her iconic hit Obangaina and a longtime member of the legendary Afrigo Band, Racheal Magoola failed to defend her NRM ticket for the Bugweri District Woman MP seat. She was unseated by Aminah Mutesi Nalugoda, a youthful and charismatic newcomer whose energetic grassroots campaign energized voters in the eastern district.
Magoola’s loss came amid criticism over her perceived lack of engagement—both in Parliament and on the ground in Bugweri. Despite her musical fame, voters seemed to demand more than name recognition.
Charles Mwanguhya Mpagi: From Talk Show to Tough Loss
Journalist and former NBS TV political show host Charles Mwanguhya Mpagi faced a sobering political debut in Burahya County, Kabarole District. Competing for the NRM flag, Mwanguhya was soundly defeated by Joseph Mugenyi, a former National Water and Sewerage Corporation employee, who garnered 23,513 votes (50.6%).
Mwanguhya placed third with just 6,470 votes (13.9%), trailing behind veteran politician Richard Rwabuhinga, who polled 14,716 votes. The result highlighted the difficulty of converting media visibility into electoral trust, especially in rural and semi-urban constituencies.
Victoria Bagaya: TV Star Falls Short in Fort Portal
Another television personality, Victoria Winfred Bagaya, also fell short in her bid for political office. In the contest for Fort Portal City Woman MP, Bagaya came third with 3,662 votes, behind Sylvia Rwabwogo (6,232 votes) and eventual winner Irine Linda, who led the field of seven candidates with 9,160 votes.
Bagaya’s political journey, like Mwanguhya’s, began with a resignation from NBS TV earlier this year—a move that underscored the growing trend of media personalities pivoting to politics. However, her celebrity did not translate into a strong voter base.
Asiimire Bareija: Social Media Fame Not Enough
Social media influencer and wife to comedian Collins Emeka Baryeija, Asiimire Bareija, was also handed a heavy defeat in the Igara West MP race. Despite her substantial online following, she finished far behind the top contenders with only 4,771 votes.
Amanya Cohen took the flag with a commanding 24,097 votes, beating a field of six other candidates. Asiimire’s loss underlined a recurring theme from the primaries—online influence often doesn’t reflect on-ground political traction.
Fame vs. Footwork: A Tough Lesson for Celebrities
The defeats of these public figures suggest that in Uganda’s political landscape, popularity alone is not a sufficient credential. Voters are increasingly demanding substance, consistency, and visible community engagement—qualities that even the most recognizable faces must work hard to demonstrate.
As the road to the 2026 general elections continues, it remains to be seen whether these celebrities will regroup and persist, or retreat from the political arena altogether. One thing is clear: politics, much like showbiz, is a tough crowd.
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