Former Attorney General and Nakawa East Member of Parliament-elect Fred Ruhindi has defended his political philosophy and campaign approach, saying his leadership is grounded in conviction, integrity, and legitimacy rather than convenience or personal gain.
Speaking to Canary Mugume during NBS Face Off on Sunday, Ruhindi criticised what he described as opportunistic opposition politics, arguing that some politicians present themselves as grassroots champions but pursue personal interests once they enter Parliament.
“I told the people of Nakawa East the truth—that some people in the opposition come to us to solve problems, but when they reach Parliament, they end up sitting with the President to pursue personal interests such as vehicles and salaries,” Ruhindi said.
Reflecting on his political journey, Ruhindi recalled losing parliamentary elections in 2016 and 2021 and explained why he declined to challenge the results in court.
“I lost an election in 2016 and people advised me to go to court. I refused because I do not believe in that form of conflict resolution. The same happened in 2021,” he said.
Ruhindi, who served as Attorney General between 2015 and 2016, said his return to Parliament was driven by both party support and personal credibility. While acknowledging the role of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) in his recent victory, he emphasised that his individual record and character were decisive.
“I did my best to ensure that NRM was organised this time, but I also relied on my personal character,” he said.
Commenting on the political environment during the campaign, Ruhindi said the incarceration of his main challenger significantly shaped the contest. The National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate, Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro, has been in detention since September 2025.
“If the NUP candidate had been on the ground, the contest would have been different. It is very difficult to compete with someone who is incarcerated,” Ruhindi said.
Mufumbiro, who also serves as NUP’s deputy spokesperson, was arrested outside Kawempe Magistrates Court and later charged alongside other senior party officials for allegedly organising a military-style parade on February 12, 2025, to mark the birthday of NUP president Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu. His identical twin brother, Kato Kenneth Mufumbiro, campaigned on his behalf.
Ruhindi also gave a candid account of the financial demands of campaigning, describing himself as “an accomplished beggar.”
“In this election, I went out of my way to ask friends for support, and that is how I managed,” he said.
Rejecting claims that he had been politically inactive during his years out of Parliament, Ruhindi maintained that he remained engaged in public service.
“I have never been away from politics. My leadership is based on conviction, not convenience. What I lacked was an office in Parliament, but I continued serving the people,” he said.
Ruhindi said his decisions in public life have consistently been guided by personal values of integrity and accountability.
“I have always wanted to do things I can defend. It gives me peace. I have focused on legitimacy and integrity,” he said.
Ruhindi, who previously represented the then-undivided Nakawa Constituency, is set to succeed Ronald Balimwezo Nsubuga, who has since been elected Kampala Lord Mayor.
