In a dramatic career pivot that blends rhythm and reform, celebrated Ugandan musician Hajjat Stecia Mayanja has officially transitioned from concert stages to political leadership. Today, July 11, 2025, Mayanja took the oath of office as president of the National Peasants Party (NPP), marking one of Uganda’s most unexpected political entries ahead of the 2026 general elections.
The Ceremony: A Party Reborn
Amid thunderous applause in Nansana, Mayanja pledged with solemn determination, “I vow to stay loyal to the party, to be faithful to its mission, and to uphold the constitutional values and political vision we stand for. I shall discharge my duties with honesty, diligence, and integrity” . The event doubled as the official revival of the NPP—a party founded in 2004 by Hajj Elias Wamala Miyagi that had faded into political obscurity after a failed 2006 presidential bid
Strategic Political Ambitions
Mayanja’s move stunned Ugandans who had recently seen her social media posts declaring an independent run for Kampala Woman MP. Skeptics dismissed it as online theatrics, but her ascent to party leadership confirms a serious political strategy. The NPP aims to challenge President Museveni’s four-decade rule by fielding candidates “from village level to the presidency,” focusing on ordinary citizens’ struggles.
Why do you think we had to write this article?
- Artists in Politics: Mayanja joins Uganda’s growing list of entertainers entering elections, leveraging her public profile to reshape a dormant party.
- Symbolic Rebrand: The NPP’s April 2025 gazetted rebranding positions it as a vehicle for anti-establishment sentiment.
- Public Reaction: Social media buzz ranges from enthusiasm to cynicism, with some noting the NPP’s acronym similarity to the NUP (National Unity Platform) as potentially confusing .
The Road to the 2026 general elections
The party’s roadmap prioritizes grassroots mobilization, though analysts question its capacity to disrupt Uganda’s political landscape. For Mayanja—once the voice of Eagles Production hits—the challenge now is converting artistic influence into electoral trust.
Reporting for ugamusic // Follow us for updates on Uganda’s music stars shaping the nation’s future.
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