What Drove Minister Musasizi’s Victory in Rubanda East Constituency?
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 the result of years of people-focused leadership, dedication to service delivery, loyalty to the NRM, and strategic political engagement.
Minister Musasizi began his political journey in 2011 when he was first elected to Parliament. Over the years, he has grown in both influence and trust, serving on key parliamentary committees including 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 17, 2025, Minister Musasizi secured 22,538 votes, defeating his closest rival, Jogo Kenneth Biryabarema, who garnered 18,832. Other contenders, Pierre Mbabazi and Israel Atuheire, received 11 and 39 votes respectively.
Key Drivers of Victory
1. Effective Implementation of Government Programs
A major strength of Minister Musasizi’s leadership has been his active role in delivering government programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga. His work in mobilizing and sensitizing communities won him strong grassroots support. Under his leadership, Rubanda East has seen improved road infrastructure, expanded electricity coverage, and 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,” Minister Musasizi emphasized.
2. Service Delivery
Musasizi’s record in improving public services is evident across the constituency. His lobbying efforts brought a modern ambulance to Hamurwa Health Centre IV and a 4,160-watt solar power system to Mpungu Health Centre III. Hamurwa Health Centre IV has consistently been ranked the best in Kigezi for five consecutive years, and among the top four nationally — largely due to infrastructure improvements he lobbied for.
Recent developments include the expansion of the Maternity Ward, provision of modern delivery beds, theater renovation, installation of an ultrasound machine, and a blood refrigerator — all secured through the Bank of Uganda’s Corporate Social Responsibility program.
In Nyamweru Sub-county, Musasizi facilitated the construction of an administration block, donated iron sheets, and ensured the local health facility was equipped and staffed. He also championed road and electricity projects in Bigungiro, Nangara, and Kyocezo parishes, provided land and solar equipment for a new health facility in Bigungiro Parish, and distributed hoes to women farmers.
His most notable road achievement is the Shs. 1.9 billion rehabilitation of the Habikyenzi–Kakyenaga–Nyamweru road, with an extension project linking Rubanda to Rukiga District through Mparo Town Council.
3. Impact Beyond Rubanda East
While many MPs are mainly known in their constituencies, Musasizi’s influence extends beyond Rubanda East. In his capacity as Minister of Finance, he has helped other districts lobby for critical services.
In Rubanda West, he lobbied for the Shs. 18.5 billion First Rubanda District Hospital at Muko Health Centre IV. According to District Chairman Ampeire Stephen Kasyaba, Musasizi also secured funds to upgrade Bufundi Health Centre III to Health Centre IV, expand the Maternity Ward at Ruhiija Health Centre III, and construct 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 at a campaign rally.
Rukiga LC5 Chairman Robert Kakwereere also credited Musasizi for lobbying funds that built their District Administration Block and supported school rehabilitation. During the 2025/2026 budget speech, he acknowledged Musasizi’s efforts in securing additional education funds.
Other politicians, including Ndorwa East MP Wilfred Niwagaba and Kabale Woman MP Catherine Atwakiire Ndamira, also testified that Musasizi helped them secure funding for road and school infrastructure projects — notably Shs. 500 million for rehabilitating Maziba Primary School, damaged by floods in 2020.
4. Political Loyalty and NRM Structures
Musasizi’s steadfast loyalty to the NRM has been key to his continued success. His consistency has made him a reliable steward of the party’s agenda, earning broad support from NRM structures at all levels — from villages to the district. This party machinery was crucial in voter mobilization and vote protection.
5. Religious Inclusivity
Despite resistance from some religious leaders who supported his rival, Musasizi maintained strong support across faiths by contributing to various places of worship. Many voters defied clerical guidance, pointing to his tangible contributions.
He has supported Catholic, Anglican, Pentecostal, and Muslim communities. Some notable contributions include:
Raising Bushure Catholic Church near his home in Mpungu Parish
Providing 200 iron sheets and 100 bags of cement to St. Peter’s Kashaki Church of Uganda
Donating 100 bags of cement to Bushura C.O.U in Hamuhambo Town Council
Donating 200 iron sheets to Bigungiro C.O.U in Nyamweru Sub-county
Supporting the rehabilitation of the Faith of Unity Church in Bwiisa Village
Contributing to land purchase for a mosque in Keerere Village, Mpungu Parish
100 bags of cement for Cementing the Floor at Rwakayundo Catholic Hiika
Providing a pulpit and 30 bags of cement for Butuurwa C.O.U
Contributing Shs. 23 million for the new church building at Bubare Archdeaconry
He also consistently contributes to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal Fund (BAAF) and the Bishop’s Development Fund (BDF) for Kabale and Kigezi Dioceses, pledging Shs. 10 million annually toward major construction projects.
6. Cohesive District Leadership
Rubanda’s district leadership, led by LC5 Chairman Stephen Ampeire Kasyaba, played a vital role in backing Musasizi. Their unified support in promoting government programs like PDM and Emyooga helped build public trust and demonstrated strong leadership coordination.
7. Public Trust and Personal Connection
Above all, voters chose someone they know and trust. Musasizi has built strong personal connections by being present, responsive, and helpful. His consistent presence in times of need has strengthened his bond with the community.
8. Composure Under Pressure
Throughout the campaign, Musasizi remained calm and focused, even when facing intimidation and incidents against his supporters. He avoided divisive rhetoric and stayed on message — service and unity.
“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 stated after his victory.
Looking Ahead
Minister Musasizi has pledged to focus on economic empowerment and improved basic services in the coming term, aligning with President Museveni’s vision of lifting households into the money economy.
“Our campaign emphasized poverty eradication. Rubanda’s household income level stands at 38%, above the national average. But we can do more,” he noted.
Top priorities include upgrading tourism roads, establishing a technical school, and improving water access in the district’s mountainous terrain.
“The water extension project’s feasibility study is complete. Our next goal is securing funds for implementation,” he added.
Conclusion
Minister Musasizi’s re-election is a testament to leadership rooted in action, not just promises. His ability to connect across political, religious, and social lines — coupled with a proven record of delivery — made him the natural choice for voters in Rubanda East.
In an era where voters demand accountability and real results, Musasizi’s victory sends a clear message: people want leaders who deliver, lead inclusively, and remain connected — not just during campaigns, but throughout their term in office.