Former Dembe FM presenter and outgoing Bunamwaya Division LC3 Chairperson Jacob Omtuuze real name Jacob Akugizibwe has announced his retirement from active politics following a painful defeat in the just-concluded LC3 chairmanship elections.
Omtuuze, who was seeking re-election on the National Unity Platform (NUP) ticket, lost the Bunamwaya Division LC3 seat to the NRM’s Namara Betty in polls held on February 4, 2026. The elections were characterized by notably low voter turnout in several parts of the country.
Appearing on Sanyuka TV’s Uncut show, an emotional Omtuuze struggled to hold back tears as he recounted what he described as blatant electoral misconduct on polling day. Visibly shaken, the former radio personality said the experience had completely drained his desire to continue in public office.
“After what I witnessed firsthand, I’m done with politics,” Omtuuze declared.
His emotional interview quickly went viral, sparking heated debate across social media platforms.
While some supporters expressed sympathy and accused electoral officials of foul play, critics were quick to point out what they described as irony.
Commentators recalled similar allegations of vote manipulation in NUP-leaning areas, including Bunamwaya, during the 2021 general elections, reopening long-standing debates about electoral credibility in opposition strongholds.
Omtuuze’s political path has been anything but smooth. He first won the Bunamwaya LC3 seat in 2021 under controversial circumstances after contesting as an independent candidate, following NUP’s decision to deny him the party ticket.
That move triggered clashes with NUP foot soldiers and a highly publicized fallout with party president Robert Kyagulanyi alias Bobi Wine.
The 2021 results were fiercely disputed, with many opposition supporters insisting that Ferdinand Bbale, backed by the late Hon. Muhammad Ssegirinya, had actually won the race. Reports at the time suggested Omtuuze had finished third behind Bbale and Haruna Kyobe.
Bbale later petitioned court to challenge the outcome, but the court ruled in Omtuuze’s favor, allowing him to retain the seat.
In the latest election, Omtuuze returned with the official NUP endorsement, campaigning confidently and banking on party backing and his media popularity. However, the final declaration handed victory to Namara Betty, a result that has since drawn mixed reactions.
Some of Omtuuze’s supporters allege irregularities in the tallying and declaration process, claiming he was “rigged out.” Others argue the loss reflects political karma linked to the controversy surrounding his earlier victory.
Omtuuze’s defeat and emotional exit from politics add to a growing list of high-profile casualties from Uganda’s grassroots elections. The Bunamwaya race now joins several local contests where both ruling party and opposition supporters continue to trade accusations over election management, voter apathy, and the credibility of final results.
For now, Jacob Omtuuze says the curtain has fallen on his political career leaving behind a trail of controversy, emotion, and unanswered questions about local electoral politics.
