The recently concluded NRM parliamentary primary elections in Rubanda East County ended with a decisive win for Hon. Henry Musasizi, State Minister for Finance (General Duties).
His victory was not a stroke of political luck but a reflection of over a decade of people-centered leadership, service delivery, loyalty to the NRM, and strategic grassroots engagement.
Hon. Musasizi began his political journey in 2011 when he was first elected to Parliament. Since then, he has steadily risen in influence, serving on key parliamentary committees such as Finance, Planning and Economic Development; Public Accounts (Central Government); the Business Committee; and the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Budget. Since June 2021, he has served as State Minister for Finance (General Duties) and currently chairs the NRM in Rubanda District.
On July 18, 2025, Musasizi secured 22,538 votes, defeating his closest rival, Jogo Kenneth Biryabarema, who polled 18,832 votes. Other contenders, Pierre Mbabazi and Israel Atuheire, received 11 and 39 votes, respectively.
Key Drivers of Victory
1. Effective Implementation of Government Programs. One of Musasizi’s strongest credentials is his proactive role in the implementation of government initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga.
His efforts in mobilizing and sensitizing communities have earned him widespread grassroots support. Under his leadership, Rubanda East has witnessed:
- Upgraded road networks
- Expanded electricity coverage
- Increased access to youth and women empowerment funds
“We have opened and rehabilitated roads where none existed, connected sub-counties to the national grid, and improved communication networks. These are real changes in people’s lives,” Musasizi said.
2. Improved Public Service Delivery. Musasizi’s track record in enhancing public services is evident. His lobbying efforts brought:
- A modern ambulance to Hamurwa Health Centre IV
- A 4,160-watt solar system to Mpungu Health Centre III
Hamurwa Health Centre IV has been ranked the best in Kigezi for five consecutive years and among the top four nationally, thanks in large part to infrastructure improvements secured under Musasizi’s guidance.
Other developments include:
- Expansion of the Maternity Ward
- Modern delivery beds and theater renovation
- Installation of an ultrasound machine and blood refrigerator – funded under Bank of Uganda’s Corporate Social Responsibility program
3. Influence Beyond Rubanda East. Unlike many MPs whose impact is limited to their constituencies, Musasizi’s reach extends district-wide and beyond. Notably, in Rubanda West, he lobbied for:
- The Shs. 18.5 billion First Rubanda District Hospital at Muko Health Centre IV
- Upgrading Bufundi Health Centre III to Health Centre IV
- Expanding the Maternity Ward at Ruhiija Health Centre III
- Construction of the Shs. 1.6 billion Ikumba–Ndeego–Ihunga–Nshanjare Road
“I agreed with my friend Stephen (Kasyaba) and his District Administration that while serving our people, we should look at Rubanda without internal borders,” Musasizi said.
4. Loyalty to the NRM and Party Structures. Musasizi’s unwavering loyalty to the National Resistance Movement (NRM) has made him a dependable custodian of the party’s agenda. His consistent engagement with party structures—from village level to district leadership—has earned him the full backing of the party apparatus.
5. Religious Inclusivity. Despite some resistance from religious leaders backing his rival, Musasizi maintained broad support across denominations by supporting various places of worship. Voters defied sectarian influences, focusing instead on his development record and visible contributions.
6. Cohesive District Leadership. The unified front presented by Rubanda District’s leadership—especially LC5 Chairman Stephen Ampeire Kasyaba—significantly contributed to Musasizi’s win. Their cooperation on government programs like PDM and Emyooga built public trust and reinforced the district’s development trajectory.
7. Public Trust and Personal Connection.Voters chose someone they know and trust. Musasizi has been consistently present, responsive to constituents’ needs, and helpful in times of crisis. These strong personal ties have nurtured loyalty and deepened community bonds.
8. Composure Under Pressure. Throughout the heated campaign season, Musasizi maintained a calm and focused demeanor, even when facing intimidation and attacks on his supporters. He avoided inflammatory rhetoric and stayed committed to a message of unity, service, and progress.
“I thank the people of Rubanda East for retaining the best. I have worked hard for you, and I’m honored to continue representing you under the NRM,” he said following his victory.Hon. Henry Musasizi’s re-election in Rubanda East was not merely a political win but a strong vote of confidence in his inclusive, development-driven leadership. His ability to deliver tangible results, unify district leadership, and stay grounded in the community’s needs has earned him a renewed mandate — one that signals Rubanda East’s continued march toward inclusive development.
