Ugandan singer and cultural leader Phina Mugerwa has said she will return to the ballot after losing her first bid for Parliament, describing the defeat as a lesson rather than a setback.
Mugerwa, widely known by her stage name Phina Masanyalaze, contested for the Female Workers Member of Parliament seat in the recent elections but failed to secure enough votes to win.
In an interview after the results were announced, Mugerwa acknowledged the loss and dismissed suggestions that she would challenge the outcome in court. She said she had accepted the results and was already looking ahead.
“I gave it my best and I lost,” she said. “But that is not the end. Losing is not an insult. It is not a problem. It is important to try. Next time, we shall make it.”
Mugerwa thanked her supporters, including what she described as “the one person who voted for me,” and urged young people not to fear entering politics even after setbacks.
Some supporters had speculated she might petition the results, citing possible irregularities. Mugerwa, however, ruled that out. She called the experience her first major step into elective politics and said it offered valuable insight into leadership and public service.
“Every journey starts somewhere,” she said. “It was my first time seeking a political office. It taught me a lot about leadership and about the people I want to represent.”
Mugerwa currently serves as General Secretary of the Uganda Musicians Association and as Vice Chairperson of the board at the Uganda National Culture Centre. She said those roles have strengthened her resolve to push for stronger representation of artists and creative workers at the policy level.
“The creative sector needs a voice where decisions are made,” she said. “We cannot remain outside when policies affecting us are being discussed.”
Drawing inspiration from global business figures who faced repeated rejection before succeeding, Mugerwa said persistence would define her political journey.
“I will keep trying until I succeed,” she said. “That is my dream.”
The singer has previously spoken out on issues affecting Uganda’s entertainment industry, including concerns about standards and professionalism. She maintains that political engagement is the next step in advancing those causes.
With the next election cycle years away, Mugerwa said she plans to continue mobilising support within the workers’ constituency and the broader creative community, signalling that her entry into politics is only beginning.
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