By Spy Uganda
In an exclusive sit-down with TheSpy Uganda’s CEO, Andrew Irumba Katusabe on Tuesday, former Rubaga South legislator Hon. John Ken Lukyamuzi, widely known as “The Man”, revealed that he is officially returning to the political battlefield to reclaim the Rubaga South parliamentary seat in the upcoming general election.
“For over months now, my people have been coming to my home, very early in the morning, every day waking me up, asking me to go back and represent them,” Lukyamuzi said, sipping tea during the Tuesday afternoon interview. “They told me their area has lagged behind in representation and meticulous articulation of issues since I left Parliament.”
“They’ve been waiting for my answer because I told them I would consult my party. Now that my party has okayed me—I will be on the ballot to represent my people.”
But Who is John Ken Lukyamuzi (The Man)?
The Man. The Orator. The Fighter.
Few Ugandan politicians can boast the charisma, eloquence, and staying power of Hon. John Ken Lukyamuzi. A lawyer by training and a legislator by legacy, Lukyamuzi is the face of Uganda’s Conservative Party (CP) and has long been an emblem of resistance politics, especially within Kampala’s central districts.
He first entered Parliament in the late 1990s, representing Rubaga South, where he quickly gained fame for his theatrical delivery, unapologetic positions, and mastery of parliamentary debate.
Legislative Record & Political Footprint
- Voice of Rubaga: Lukyamuzi held the Rubaga South seat for multiple terms, becoming a top parliamentary debater, especially on legal and environmental issues.
- CP Leadership: As president of the Conservative Party, he turned a minority platform into a moral compass for national dialogue.
- Bold Stances: The Man, consistently questioned executive overreach, electoral injustices, and undemocratic tendencies—earning admiration and intimidation in equal measure.
Environmental Defence
A passionate environmentalist, Lukyamuzi is known for:
- Blocking illegal giveaways of protected forests like Mabira and Bugoma.
- Taking government bodies to court over environmental mismanagement.
- Mobilizing communities for clean-up campaigns and tree-planting drives.
His activism extended to Parliament, where he pushed for sustainable development laws and challenged deforestation permits issued without environmental assessments.
Ejection From Parliament (2006)
In one of the most politically charged moments of Uganda’s parliamentary history, Lukyamuzi was ejected from Parliament in 2006 by the IGG for allegedly failing to declare his poverty [assets].
- Supreme Court Victory: He fought back and won the case, leading to the reversal of his dismissal—a landmark ruling for political rights in Uganda.
- Re-election in 2011: He made a dramatic comeback and reclaimed the seat, symbolizing public trust and legal vindication.
Controversies: From Police Run-Ins to Parliament’s Dress Code
Lukyamuzi has never shied away from confrontation:
- He frequently clashed with police, especially during environmental protests and opposition rallies.
- He was once thrown out of Parliament for wearing ‘unparliamentary’, sparking a national debate on freedom of expression versus parliamentary decorum.
The Decline After Exit: A Vote For Comeback
Since Lukyamuzi’s departure, Rubaga South’s political voice has notably weakened:
- Underwhelming Representation: Successors have failed to actively speak on national issues, rarely appearing in Hansards or media debates.
- Constituency Neglect: Voters complain of poor roads, neglected markets, and a visible lack of advocacy on matters affecting Rubaga South.
- Dwindling Public Confidence: Lukyamuzi claims that his successors haven’t even delivered “10 percent” of what he did for the people.
Why He Could Win Again
- Grassroots Demand: His return wasn’t self-engineered—it was demanded by the people, he insists.
- Proven Track Record: Voters remember him for delivering results and defending them on the national stage.
- Media Magnet: Lukyamuzi’s oratory skill and ability to command public attention makes him a formidable candidate in any campaign.
With the Conservative Party’s endorsement now in place, Lukyamuzi is preparing to launch his campaign in the coming weeks, aiming to restore what he calls the “lost voice of Rubaga South.”
“Representation is not about occupying a seat. It’s about conviction, courage, and commitment to the people,” he concluded
