By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KAMPALA
After more than two decades as the ruling National Resistance Movement’s (NRM) chief communicator and a prominent face of government messaging, Ofwono Opondo has signaled the twilight of his long political journey, at least in its current form.
Speaking on Capital FM’s Saturday political talk show, Opondo revealed that he has officially begun the process of stepping down, ending a 26-year career as the NRM’s spokesperson and presidential task force mouthpiece.
“I’ve been here for 26 years… I think 26 years is sufficient,” he said, citing ideological differences with some Members of Parliament and shifting personal priorities. “This Thursday, I wrote to the president notifying him of the conclusion of my tenure in another three months. But I think that will be brought forward because on the 28th, I need to put in my resignation.”
But even as he prepares to vacate the stage that gave him national visibility, Opondo isn’t bowing out of politics entirely. He is setting his sights on a new target: the parliamentary seat for Older Persons representing Eastern Uganda, currently occupied by his political elder brother, Mr. Dominic Gidudu Mafabi who also serves as State Minister for the Elderly.
“I’ve got good endorsements from my colleagues in the NRM, cabinet, and even in the opposition,” Opondo said. “I’m intending to run… I have what it takes to knock him out.”
Opondo’s political résumé is extensive. Appointed executive director of the Uganda Media Centre in 2013, he replaced Mr. Fred Opolot in leading the government’s media strategy. Prior to that, he served as director of information and public relations at the NRM secretariat since 2002, taking over from Ms. Winnie Byanyima. His influence peaked as he became the trusted voice of President Museveni’s election task forces between 2001 and 2016.
Now, as he prepares for a potentially dramatic face-off with a family member (NRM), Opondo’s next chapter may mark the end of an era, as the very influence he once wielded may be slipping through his fingers.
If he fails to win the parliamentary seat, it could mark not just a pause but a near-permanent end to his once-dominant political role. The next few months may determine whether Opondo reinvents himself or fades quietly into the background of Uganda’s political theater.
