Veteran Journalist, Johnson Musinguzi Byarabaha Nominated by NRM as MP for Sheema South

Celebrated media practitioner and businessman Johnson Musinguzi Byarabaha has been officially nominated by the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Electoral Commission to contest in the party primaries for Sheema County South, ahead of Uganda's 2026 general elections.

Musinguzi, widely known for his pioneering contributions to Uganda's media landscape and grassroots mobilization, completed his nomination on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at the NRM Electoral Commission headquarters, under the stewardship of Dr. Tanga Odoi. He is now set to compete in the July 16 party primaries, aiming to clinch the NRM flag for the parliamentary race.

Speaking shortly after his nomination, Musinguzi expressed confidence in his broad leadership background spanning journalism, business, community organizing, and public affairs.

"I have fulfilled all party requirements and I am committed to running an issue-based campaign that reflects the aspirations of the people of Sheema South," he said.

A founding member of the Red Pepper and former Radio West journalist, Musinguzi is credited with revolutionizing Uganda’s media space, offering affordable platforms to emerging entrepreneurs and training a generation of journalists.

His media and communications consultancy career has seen him work with notable institutions such as NEMA, NWSC, the Bank of Uganda, and TradeMark East Africa, equipping him with networks and experience to effectively serve in Parliament.

Through his Sheema Development Association (SDA), Musinguzi has championed numerous grassroots initiatives including healthcare support, education infrastructure, youth empowerment, and agriculture innovation.

His track record includes equipment donations to Kitagata and Kabwohe health facilities, scholarship schemes, and community capacity-building workshops.

His campaign—branded under the energetic slogan #TeamGoogoro—draws inspiration from a local youth sliding game symbolic of rapid and unstoppable momentum. Musinguzi pledges to ride this "Googoro spirit" to implement a transformative Marshall Plan for Sheema South, focusing on:

• Youth Unemployment: A multi-pronged approach including skills development, mega local projects, and international job linkages.
• Access to Capital (Cash Omunshaho): A village-based revolving fund to supplement government programs and fuel small business growth.
• Infrastructure Development: Revamp of roads, schools, and health centers through lobbying and strategic partnerships.
• Social Protection: Programs to address youth vulnerability, drug abuse, early pregnancies, and moral decay through mentorship, sports, and religious spaces.
• Agricultural Innovation: Support for coffee, fruit, and dairy farmers through value addition, tick and pest control interventions, and cooperative strengthening.
• ICT in Education: Expansion of digital tools and connectivity in schools via UCC collaboration.
• Essential Services: Extension of power, water, and internet access to underserved areas.
• Security and Rule of Law: Enhanced collaboration with police and judiciary to safeguard property and community peace.
• Transport Safety: Special support for boda boda riders on safety and compensation after accidents.
• Legislative Representation: Amplifying Sheema South voices in Parliament and driving policy attention to local priorities.

Musinguzi has also pledged to launch Googoro FM, a radio station dedicated to airing community concerns, local development dialogue, and civic education.

Born in Bubaare 1 Village, Kitagata Town Council—near the tourist-attracting Kitagata Hot Springs—Musinguzi studied at Kitagata Central PS, Muntuyera High School Kitunga, and Makerere University, later earning a Master's in Media, Communication, and PR from the University of Leicester (UK) in 2012.

With deep community ties, national policy insight, and a transformative development agenda, Johnson Musinguzi Byarabaha is positioning himself as a unifying candidate ready to usher in inclusive progress for Sheema South.