“Ruhindi Is Back” Finally Becomes Reality as Veteran Lawyer Wins Nakawa East Seat, Supporters Push for Cabinet Return

Nakawa East, Kampala –

Former Attorney General Hon. Fred Ruhindi has made a remarkable political comeback after winning the Nakawa East Constituency parliamentary seat in the 2026 general elections, marking his return to the House after a decade in the political wilderness.

Ruhindi’s victory, declared by Kampala Returning Officer Rashid Hasakya following the January 15 polls, ends ten years outside Parliament and Cabinet, and signals a dramatic revival for one of the National Resistance Movement’s most seasoned legal minds.

A Decade-Long Political Journey

Hon. Ruhindi last sat in Parliament in 2016 when he represented Nakawa Division. That year proved to be a turning point in his political career. He lost his seat to Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) stalwart Michael Kabaziguruka, and shortly afterwards the constituency was split into Nakawa East and Nakawa West ahead of the 2021 elections.

Determined to reclaim his political footing, Ruhindi returned in 2021 to contest for Nakawa East on the NRM ticket under the slogan “Ruhindi is Back.” However, the political tide in Kampala had shifted, and he was defeated by National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate Ronald Balimwezo.

For many politicians, two consecutive defeats would have marked the end of the road. But for Ruhindi, the setbacks became the foundation of a long, patient rebuild.

The 2026 Turning Point

Ahead of the 2026 general elections, the political dynamics in Nakawa East changed once again. NUP fronted Ronald Balimwezo for the Kampala Lord Mayor race and nominated their jailed deputy spokesperson, Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro, to contest for the Nakawa East parliamentary seat.

With Mufumbiro incarcerated and unable to hold campaign rallies, NUP relied heavily on party structures to mobilise and protect the vote on his behalf. Ruhindi, on the other hand, returned to the grassroots, moving house to house, listening to residents and rebuilding trust that had been eroded over the years.

When results were finally announced, Rashid Hasakya declared Fred Ruhindi the winner, sealing one of the most talked-about political comebacks in Kampala.

“You can tell from the struggle that it has not been easy,” Ruhindi said shortly after his victory. “But this journey has strengthened my conviction. I am in politics because I believe in serving people, not because it is convenient.”

Contested Results and Legitimacy Debate

The declaration of results sparked controversy from the Opposition. Leader of Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi, who retained his Nakawa West seat, alleged that Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro’s victory had been stolen.

Ruhindi firmly dismissed the claims. 

“This outcome is legitimate,” he said. “You know very well that I am a lawyer. I know the difference between legality and legitimacy. I worked hard, moved house to house, listened to people’s problems and I already have solutions.”

His remarks underscored both his legal background and his confidence that the victory was earned through grassroots engagement rather than political manoeuvre.

Politics of Conviction, Not Convenience

Unlike many politicians who lose parliamentary seats and later find their way back into government through Cabinet appointments, Ruhindi spent the last ten years outside both Parliament and Cabinet. He was not reappointed after his earlier defeats, forcing him to survive purely on professional practice and personal resilience.

During that period, he says he remained active in public service by offering pro bono legal services to vulnerable citizens, particularly in Nakawa and surrounding areas.

“I never abandoned the people,” he noted. “Even when I was not in Parliament, I continued to serve them. That is why they have trusted me again.”

Many residents credit this consistent presence for his political revival, describing him as a leader who never disappeared after defeat.

What Next for Ruhindi?

Ruhindi’s return has reignited debate about whether President Yoweri Museveni will reappoint him to Cabinet in the new government. Supporters in Nakawa East have already begun lobbying for his inclusion, citing his experience as a former Attorney General and his deep understanding of the law.

For now, Ruhindi says his priority is Parliament. 

“My focus is on delivering for the people of Nakawa East,” he said. “Cabinet or no Cabinet, my duty is to represent them faithfully and push for solutions to their real problems.”

A Symbol of Resilience

Fred Ruhindi’s comeback is more than just an electoral win; it is a story of political resilience, patience and grassroots rebuilding. From defeat in 2016, loss again in 2021, to triumph in 2026, his journey reflects the unpredictable nature of Ugandan politics and the power of persistence.

As the 12th Parliament(2026-2031) takes shape, Nakawa East will once again be represented by a familiar but renewed figure — a lawyer-turned-politician who believes his hardest battles have prepared him for his most important term yet.