By Ivan Lubega
In the just-concluded NRM party primaries, Hon. Diana Mutasingwa stamped her authority as one of Buikwe district’s most influential political figures. With a commanding 62,708 votes, representing 92.7%, Mutasingwa swept the polls in what can only be described as a landslide victory, brutally defeating her sole challenger Nankabirwa Kimyanso who managed a mere 4,889 votes (7.3%). This overwhelming win not only confirmed her popularity among voters but also cemented her position as a political mogul who has singlehandedly reshaped the face of the ruling party in Buikwe.
Diana Mutasingwa’s political journey is a story of resilience, determination, and growth. Her first public political appearance was in 2018 when she contested for mayorship in the newly created Njeru Municipality. Though she lost to Yasin Kyazze, the defeat became a springboard rather than a setback. Instead of retreating, she intensified her political ambitions, setting her sights higher. By the 2021 general elections, she was in full gear, vying for the position of Buikwe District Woman Member of Parliament under the NRM ticket.
At the time, many dismissed her as a non-resident, an outsider, and even maliciously branded her a foreigner from Rwanda. Her detractors painted her as a land grabber, eager to manipulate the community for selfish gain. However, Diana confronted the allegations head-on. Armed with eloquence, clarity, and documented family roots, she firmly asserted her heritage the daughter of Mutasingwa Charles, a respected resident of Kiryowa in Njeru Municipality. Born and raised in Buikwe, Diana’s identity could not be more Ugandan and more Buikwe.
Ironically, the very label of “land grabber” that was meant to taint her image became the very cause she would champion. She turned the criticism into fuel for public service. She emerged as a frontline crusader against land grabbing in Buikwe, earning admiration even from critics. In just months, she had transformed public perception, won over opposition sympathizers, and united communities long divided by political allegiances.
Her ability to connect with grassroots voters and speak to their real issues turned her into a household name. When the 2021 general elections came, Diana shocked many by defeating two formidable opposition candidates Nanteza Resty (Nakapachu) of the FDC and Diana Nabatanzi of NUP. Her victory was not just personal; it was symbolic of the NRM’s resurgence in a district that had previously leaned heavily toward the opposition.
During her first term in Parliament, Diana set out to prove she was not just a populist figure but a servant leader. She launched the Diana K Foundation, through which hundreds of youths were empowered with skills. Using her international connections, especially in Asia, she secured employment opportunities for youth, reducing unemployment and idleness in the district. Beyond job creation, her leadership was marked by development, social interventions, and consistent engagement with the people.
Perhaps one of her most lauded accomplishments has been restoring party structures and confidence in the NRM at the grassroots level. Buikwe, a district previously known for political wrangles and fragmentation, is now experiencing unity under her leadership. She has worked across political divides, reaching out even to opposition strongholds, and her inclusive approach has helped rebuild trust in the NRM party.
It is against this backdrop that her recent primary victory should be understood not merely as a political triumph but as a referendum on her leadership. Her 92.7% victory margin is not just a statistic; it is a powerful message from the electorate a resounding vote of confidence and a clear expression of loyalty to her leadership and vision.
This victory also sends a strong message at the national level. In Buikwe, the NRM has regained momentum, and Hon. Mutasingwa is widely credited as the architect of that revival. Her ability to mobilize masses, deliver on development promises, and stay grounded with the people makes her one of President Museveni’s strongest allies in the district. Her political strength suggests that the ruling party stands a strong chance of reclaiming Buikwe in the 2026 general elections a feat that would not have been possible without her efforts.
As State Minister in the Office of the Vice President, Mutasingwa has also leveraged her position to lobby for government projects and services for Buikwe. From infrastructure development to social services, her presence in Cabinet has brought Buikwe closer to the national table.
Hon. Diana Mutasingwa is no longer just a rising politician she has become a political powerhouse in Buikwe. Her rise from an unsuccessful mayoral candidate in 2018 to a dominant MP and minister in 2025 is a testament to her strategic thinking, grassroots mobilization, and unrelenting commitment to service. Her landslide victory in the NRM primaries is only the latest chapter in a growing legacy one that promises to play a critical role in shaping the district’s future and President Museveni’s fortunes in the region.
The author is a senior journalist, lubegaivan@gmail.com
