Wilfred Niwagaba, the incumbent Member of Parliament for Ndorwa East County in Kabale District, has built a remarkable career defined by resilience, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to political independence.
A lawyer by profession, Niwagaba has represented his constituency in Parliament since 2010, winning as an independent candidate after parting ways with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
Born on July 28, 1971, in Izenero Village, Birambo Parish, Maziba Sub-county, Niwagaba is the son of the late Bonefesi Karanzi and Teresa Nyamijumbi.
His education journey began at Maziba Primary School (1978–1984) before joining St. Mary’s Seminary Rushoroza, where he completed both O-Level and A-Level studies between 1985 and 1991.
He later earned a Bachelor of Laws degree from Makerere University (1991–1994) and a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Centre in 1996.
After completing his legal training, Niwagaba worked in a private law firm before establishing his own practice in 2001. Alongside his legal career, he lectured Business Law at Makerere University and later served as a law professional at the Law Development Centre.
Niwagaba’s political journey began in 2006, though his fascination with politics was nurtured much earlier within his Democratic Party–leaning family. He vividly recalls the 1980 elections, where his father and uncle held local DP leadership positions and often faced persecution under the Obote regime.
His passion for leadership deepened during his school years. In 1989, while in Senior Five, he participated as an observer in local council elections organized under the NRM government — an experience that solidified his interest in governance and reform.
Over the years, Niwagaba has become known for his forthrightness and resilience in the face of political adversity. His expulsion from the NRM remains a defining moment in his career — one that tested his resolve but also underscored his independence.
“I am the first MP to be expelled by a political party in the history of Uganda,” he once reflected. “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.”
Now serving as the Shadow Attorney General in the opposition government, Niwagaba continues to champion integrity and accountability in public service.
As the 2026 general elections approach, he faces stiff competition from NUP flag bearer Elias Sunday, Alexander Kyokwijuka, Dr. James Akampumuza Rutanga, and NRM’s Dr. Pritazio Begumisa.
Through all his trials, Niwagaba remains grounded in one guiding principle, the truth.
“During my term in office,” he says, “what has kept me going is speaking the truth.”
