Wilfred Niwagaba, the incumbent Member of Parliament for Ndorwa East in Kabale District, has built a career defined by resilience and an unwavering commitment to independence.
A lawyer by training, he has represented his constituency in Parliament since 2016, winning as an independent candidate after parting ways with the ruling party.
Born on July 28, 1971, in Izenero Village, Birambo Parish of Maziba Sub-county, Niwagaba is the son of the late Bonefesi Karagyezi and Teresa Nyamijumbi.
His journey through education began at Maziba Primary School (1978–1984) before he joined St Mary’s Seminary Rushoroza, where he completed both O and A Levels between 1985 and 1991.
He went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Law from Makerere University (1991–1994), followed by a postgraduate diploma in legal practice from the Law Development Centre in 1996.
After completing his legal training, Niwagaba began working at a private law firm. In 2001, he established his own legal practice while also taking on teaching roles, lecturing Business Law at Makerere University and serving as a law professional at the Law Development Centre.
In a conversation with Nile Post, Niwagaba traced his political roots to 2006. But his fascination with politics began much earlier, shaped by his family's allegiance to the Democratic Party.
“When I was nine years old, I was alive to the elections of 1980. One of my uncles was the DP chairman and my father was a chairman for the sub-county,” he recalled.
“I know what they went through during Obote's time. As a son of a DP family, I used to suffer a lot of harassment from the UPC leadership.”
His political enthusiasm continued into his school years.
“In 1989 when I was in Senior Five, we had local council elections by the NRM government. For three days, my sub-county failed to elect a chairman because of the divisions," he said.
"I participated as an invited observer. Even as a student, I had a keen interest in politics and I was in love with the new regime."
Niwagaba is candid about the challenges he has faced. He describes politics as “a job not for men who are not strong, but rather for men of steel.”
His expulsion from the ruling National Resistance Movement remains a defining moment.
“I am the first MP to be expelled by a political party in the history of Uganda. But by God’s grace, I have made it back to Parliament twice without any party affiliation. That was one of the biggest challenges—not because I committed any crime, but because of ideological differences,” he said.
What has kept him grounded, he adds, is his belief in truth.
“During my term in office, what has kept me going is speaking the truth.”
As the 2026 general elections approach, Niwagaba has confirmed he will run again as an independent candidate. His confidence, however, meets a mixed reception back home.
When th3 Nile Post visited Ndorwa East, some voters—speaking on condition of anonymity—expressed disappointment in his performance, saying he had not met expectations.
Others praised his tenure and said he deserved another term.
Niwagaba currently serves as the Shadow Attorney General in the opposition government. He is expected to face stiff competition from Elvis Twinda, Dr James Akampumuza Rutanga, and Dr Pritazio Begumisa as he seeks re-election.
With the contest heating up, it will be the voters of Ndorwa East who ultimately decide whether the man known for his strong will returns to Parliament or bows out.