Legendary news anchor, Bulasio Zambali Mukasa has revealed that he has harboured ambitions of joining politics since 2010.
Recognised for his commanding voice and dynamic speaking style, Zambali has for years, hosted the political show ''Barometer" on NBS Television and served as an news anchor for Luganda news bulletin, "Amasengejje."
After years of dedicated service at Uganda's media giant, Next Media, Zambali recently announced his intention to transition into politics.
He is aiming for the Nansana Municipality MP seat in the upcoming 2026 elections.
On Monday, Zambali appeared on Sanyuka Television, for an exclusive interview where he narrated his journey and political aspirations.
During the interview with Anna Talia, Zambali disclosed that his desire to enter politics was not a sudden decision; it has been a long-held ambition to serve people since 2010.
"I didn’t just wake up one day and decide to enter politics. This dream has been with me since 2010. Even when I moved from Capital FM to Beat FM, my main goal was to serve the people politically," Zambali explained.
He noted that back then in 2010s, he initially hesitated to pursue his political aspirations because he felt unprepared and needed more time and experience.
"At that time, I assessed my readiness and realized I wasn’t prepared. My heart was in it, but mentally, I felt I needed more time to prove to people that I could truly represent their voices," he shared.
Before joining Next Media, Zambali began his radio career in 2007 at Tiger FM as a news anchor and presenter, and he has worked at several local radio stations, including CBS FM, which is owned by Buganda Kingdom.
He reflected on how his experience at the Buganda-owned station significantly boosted his confidence and honed his public speaking skills.
"I remember before joining CBS, my former boss at Capital asked me why I was making the switch, and I told her she wouldn’t understand how working with the kingdom-owned station would enhance my abilities to become a good public speaker and advocate for the people. Being part of the Kingdom's leadership exposes you to various communities, helping you understand how things function," Zambali remarked.
Although this will be his first foray into high-level politics, Zambali is relying on his passion and the support of the people to secure a seat in Parliament in 2026.
"This isn’t a sudden dream; it has been a part of me for a long time. I recognize that elections are challenging, but one reason I joined NUP is because of the power of the people. With their support, everything else becomes manageable. My role will be to voice the issues affecting them, while they back me to address those concerns," he stated.
Zambali, 39, expressed his gratitude towards Kin Kariisa, the Chief Executive of Next Media Group, praising him for his guidance and encouragement to explore his various talents.
"I joined Next Media in 2019 and the Group CEO, Kin Kariisa told me he loves multi-talented people, and since I was one, he encouraged me to explore any other talents I had," Zambali recounted.
He went on to discuss his distinctive deep voice, which has garnered admiration from viewers of NBS Television and Sanyuka Television.
My deep voice developed in S5. I decided to stay in Nabweru, but I also wanted to visit Mariam Ndagire’s place to show her that I could do comedy.
I got the chance to meet her, and she advised me to focus on my studies.As I pursued comedy, my S6 results came back, and I was set to join Nkozi for an education course.
Meanwhile, the late Kato believed I had great potential in comedy."
Zambali is now aiming to secure the flag-bearer position from the National Unity Platform (NUP), led by Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine.
"But who is Zambali?"
Zambaali was born to the late John Wilson Segawole and Florence Sarah Nakalembe Namusisi.
He was raised by his grandmother, Asinansi Nasimbwa, in Mugomola, Semuto.
He completed his primary education at Kijaguzo Primary School, followed by his O-Level studies at St. Denis Sebugwawo Kijaguzo Secondary School. He finished his A-Level education at Kazo Hill College School in Kampala in 2004.
Zambaali holds a Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication from UMCAT School of Journalism and Mass Communication, as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations from Ndejje University.
His Journalism Career
Zambaali began his journalism career at Tiger FM, where he worked as a news anchor and presenter from 2007 to 2008.
He has since worked at various radio stations, including Beat FM, Capital FM, and CBS FM, serving as both a news anchor and show host.
From 2016 until July 2019, he was a news anchor and political show moderator at BBS Terefayina.
In August 2019, Zambaali joined NBS Television (Uganda) as a news anchor for Amasengejje, a Luganda news bulletin, and as the host of Barometer Akaasameeme, a Luganda talk show that airs every Tuesday at 10 PM on NBS TV.
In addition to his journalism work, Zambaali has held leadership positions in various organizations.
He has served as a peer educator for Kiyita Alliance for Development, the Nabweru Orphan Support Project, and the Makerere Women Development Association.
He has also been the Chairperson of the Nabweru Youth Health Club and the Secretary for Nansana Youth Parish.
As the director of Zabama Investment Limited, a wedding planning company, Zambaali has also served as the President of the Church of Uganda Media Association.
In 2019, he received the Dan Kyazze Award for Best Luganda Radio News Anchor.