Weasel Manizo Enters 2026 Election Race for Makindye West MP

 

Ugandan reggae and dancehall star Douglas Mayanja, popularly known as Weasel Manizo, has thrown his hat into the political ring, announcing his candidacy for Member of Parliament (MP) for Makindye West in the upcoming 2026 general elections.

The photo showing the artist Weasel Manizo known as Seguya Douglas

The announcement, made via a vibrant campaign poster on X on June 21, 2025.  Weasel on his account, declares, “The time is NOW!” with the slogan “Ssegguya Douglas MP, Makindye West,” signaling his intent to leverage his celebrity status from the late Goodlyf crew to capture votes.

Weasel, born in 1985 and a household name alongside the late Mowzey Radio, brings a unique profile to the race. Research from the Journal of Political Marketing (2019) suggests entertainers can gain a 15-20% vote boost due to name recognition, a strategy that could challenge the current MP, Allan Ssewanyana, who secured 18,116 votes in the 2021 elections.

Makindye West, known for its competitive electoral battles, as highlighted by Visible Polls data, may see a vote split, potentially disrupting the dominance of established parties like the National Unity Platform.

However, the response on X has been a mix of amusement and skepticism. Users like Allan Toniks the fellow musician asked, “Time to do what?” These reactions align with a 2023 Afrobarometer survey, which found 62% of Ugandans doubt entertainers’ political competence, reflecting a cultural divide between entertainment and governance.

Weasel’s political venture comes amid Uganda’s authoritarian political landscape, where President Yoweri Museveni has ruled since 1986, and multi-party politics were only legalized in 2006.

Museveni's entry could energize younger voters but faces hurdles in a constituency with a history of electoral irregularities, as seen in the 2020 NRM primaries where rigging allegations led to canceled polls.

As the 2026 election nears, Weasel’s campaign will test whether his star power can translate into political capital in Makindye West.

THE #POST 👇👇

Hon: Weasel Manizo

it’s Our Time Now pic.twitter.com/Kg6lKMueDx

— RADIO & WEASEL (@RadioandWeasel) June 21, 2025