State Minister of Finance Henry Musasizi Ariganyira has advised aspiring politicians to focus on issues affecting the general populace rather than individual needs for effective and sustainable political campaigns.
Musasizi, who is also the Member of Parliament for Rubanda East and the Rubanda District NRM Chairperson, made the remarks over the weekend while addressing Christians at Hamurangara Catholic Hiika in Rwarujongo Village, Igomanda Parish, Hamurwa Sub-county, Rubanda District.
Drawing from his extensive experience, Musasizi—who entered politics in 2010 and became the youngest MP from the Kigezi sub-region—noted that the secret to his successful political career has been his consistent approach of addressing the needs of the masses rather than catering to individual interests, or relying on unsustainable campaign tactics such as propaganda.
In the 2011 general election, Musasizi defeated then-State Minister of Local Government Ahabwe Godfrey Pereza and has since retained his seat in the 2016 and 2021 elections. Following his notable victory in 2021, where he defeated former Rubanda District LC.5 Chairperson Jogo Kenneth Biryabarema, he was appointed State Minister of Finance by President Yoweri Museveni.
“When we first sought the people’s mandate fifteen years ago, we based our campaigns on the Mass-Line approach, declaring all community members as our political agents. Then we built a people-centered campaign that earned us trust,” Musasizi explained, referencing the 2010 NRM Primary elections.
He emphasized that since assuming office, he has consistently lobbied for government projects—such as roads, water, electricity, healthcare,and education—that benefit large segments of the population, rather than focusing on individual gains.
“Some politicians also make the mistake of building their campaign strategies around selected individuals. This approach is unsustainable. Today, someone supports you, but tomorrow they may not—due to personal reasons. I have been winning because I am a people’s MP. All my achievements are people-centered,” he asserted.
CUE IN… MUSASIZI ON MASSES
Musasizi took a swipe at his opponents, accusing them of relying solely on propaganda as their campaign strategy. He urged his supporters not to engage in such tactics but instead to respond by highlighting his service delivery record.
Specifically, he addressed allegations that he has failed to resolve issues on the junction that connects Igomanda Parish to Nyamweru-Kyocezo road, and another problematic section of Hmurwa-Keerere road commonly known as “Road toll.”
“When campaigning last year, one of the urgent needs was the Butambi road in Kyocezo Parish. I asked for patience, and now we have rehabilitated the road connecting the area to Mparo in Rukiga District. We haven’t yet secured funding for other projects, but we are working on it, and when we finally solve these problems, I know you’ll be happy,” Musasizi assured.
CUE IN…MUSASIZI ON ROADS.
Recently, Musasizi was re-elected as Rubanda NRM Chairperson with 503 votes, defeating Diaz Drake Owoyesigyire, who received 43 votes, and Jackson Tumweboneire, who garnered zero votes. He has also obtained nomination forms to contest again as MP for Rubanda East Constituency, with the election scheduled for July 16, 2025, according to the NRM Election Roadmap.