The 2026 General Elections have delivered a harsh reality check for some of Uganda’s biggest music stars, as Nina Roz, Geoffrey Lutaaya and Dr Hilderman both failed in their bids to enter Parliament.
In Sembabule District, singer Nina Kankunda alias Nina Roz suffered a setback after finishing third in the hotly contested Woman Member of Parliament race.
The seat was fiercely fought, with Florence Nambazira (NRM), Mary Begumisa (Independent), Angella Kigonya (DP) and Ester Kinkuhire (Independent) all battling it out, leaving the songstress trailing behind.
Meanwhile in Mawokota North, singer and former legislator Hillary Kiyaga aka Dr Hilderman also tasted defeat after losing the parliamentary seat to seasoned politician Amelia Kyambadde.
Despite mounting a spirited campaign and banking on his previous experience as an opposition MP, Hilderman couldn’t overcome Kyambadde in an election characterized by high voter turnout and stiff competition.
The losses didn’t stop there for the entertainment-linked politicians. In Kakuuto County, Kyotera, Geoffrey Lutaaya (NUP) was defeated by NRM’s Ismail Lubega, further underlining the tough terrain opposition candidates faced.