Veteran NRM politician Hon. James Kakooza has been elected Member of Parliament representing Elderly Persons in Uganda’s Central Region, following a decisive secret ballot held at the Wakiso Resource Centre.
Kakooza secured a commanding 111 votes, comfortably defeating his closest challenger Sandy Mary, who garnered 50 votes, in what observers described as a calm, well-organised voting exercise.
A seasoned figure within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) and a former State Minister for Health, Kakooza’s victory further underlines the party’s continued grip on key special interest constituencies. His election was widely welcomed by elders who say his experience in government places him in a strong position to champion their long-standing concerns.
Top among the expectations placed on the new MP is pushing for a comprehensive public health insurance scheme that guarantees free medical care for senior citizens, alongside stronger retirement and social protection benefits.
Many elderly leaders argue that current pension arrangements beginning at 65 years leave too many vulnerable Ugandans exposed.
Kakooza’s win feeds into the gradual formation of the 12th Parliament, as Uganda inches closer to the 2026 general elections. The outcome also highlights the country’s growing focus on specialised representation for elderly citizens, amid increasing national debate over pension reforms, healthcare access and dignified ageing.