By Penny Atukunda
When Sir Simon Muyanga Lutaaya appeared on Sanyuka Morning Xpress which airs on Sanyuka TV, Uganda’s biggest entertainment TV station, he spoke with honesty, depth, and a strong sense of personal conviction. Known for his years of service in the media and his earlier involvement in opposition politics, Muyanga shared a clear reflection on how far he has come and where he’s headed.
You may remember him as a passionate supporter of FDC, a party he once believed could steer Uganda to change. He credits Dr Kizza Besigye for inspiring hope and nearly taking the opposition to victory. “Besigye gave us hope,” he said. “I even believed I was going to become the IGG and fight corruption.” But over time, that hope shifted. He now feels the trust he once had in Besigye to lead him politically is no longer possible. “He left FDC to join PFF, yet he was the one who founded the party,” Muyanga pointed out, urging the public to reflect on what has changed within the opposition over the years.
Muyanga also challenged the idea of struggle in the political space. According to him, the opposition today is not facing the kind of hardship it claims. “The Government gives 400 million Ugandan shillings every month to FDC and NUP to run their activities. There is no real struggle,” he said. “What exactly did President Museveni do to Kyagulanyi? Because he seems to be living a great life under this government.”
His move to support Gen Muhoozi under the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) raised eyebrows, but now he has fully aligned with the ruling party. “I left deliberately, under no pressure, and Museveni hasn’t even seen me,” he explained. “I believe I should be part of the next government under President Museveni. I don’t regret anything.”
Muyanga says the NRM left him behind once, but he now understands the need to work with the government rather than oppose it blindly. In his view, experience matters, and that's why “Museveni only fears UPC because they have real experience with power, not NUP.”
Now, as he prepares to contest for MP of Bulamogi County in Kaliro District under the NRM flag, Muyanga seems confident about his political comeback. He believes the opposition needs time to learn and grow. “Let them reflect, and maybe after 10 years, they can return ready to lead.”
Whether or not you support his path, one thing is certain — Sir Simon Muyanga Lutaaya has chosen his direction. As a viewer, it’s your role to listen, reflect, and consider the kind of leadership you believe is right for Uganda.