KAMPALA, Uganda — Several of Uganda’s most prominent recording artists faced a difficult reality check in the 2026 general elections as Nina Roz, Dr Hilderman and Geoffrey Lutaaya were among the entertainers defeated in their bids for parliament.
In the Sembabule District woman member of parliament race, Nina Kankunda, known professionally as Nina Roz, finished third. The singer trailed behind winner Florence Nambazira of the National Resistance Movement and a field of candidates that included Mary Begumisa, Angella Kigonya and Ester Kinkuhire.
In Mawokota North, incumbent legislator Hillary Kiyaga, better known as Dr Hilderman, lost his seat to veteran politician Amelia Kyambadde. Despite his status as an established opposition member of parliament, Kiyaga was unable to hold off Kyambadde in a contest defined by high voter participation.
The trend for entertainers continued in Kakuuto County, Kyotera, where Geoffrey Lutaaya of the National Unity Platform was defeated by Ismail Lubega of the National Resistance Movement.
The losses for Nina Roz, Dr Hilderman and Geoffrey Lutaaya underscore the challenges faced by celebrities attempting to navigate a competitive political landscape.
