The 10 Richest Politicians in Uganda

Uganda is a country in East Africa with about 45 million people. It has faced problems like fights between groups, wars, and unfair treatment of people’s rights. But it also has lots of natural resources, different cultures, and a strong economy. The main political group is called the National Resistance Movement (NRM) led by President Yoweri Museveni since 1986.

Some interesting things about Uganda’s politics are that some politicians are very rich and powerful. They’ve made their money from businesses, farming, mining, oil, and getting money from other countries. But some of these politicians have been accused of doing bad things like being corrupt, giving jobs to families only, not paying taxes, and treating people unfairly.

In this article, we’ll look at the richest politicians in Uganda. We’ll see how they got so rich, how it affects the country, and what problems it brings. We’ll also talk about different rich politicians, what they’ve done, and what troubles they’ve faced. 

The Richest Politicians In Uganda

Here is the list of the richest politicians in Uganda.

1. Yoweri Museveni ($4 billion) 

Yoweri Museveni has  been Uganda’s president since 1986, leading the National Resistance Movement (NRM). Born in 1944 in Mbarra district, he studied political science and economics at the University of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. He joined movements against colonialism and fought against leaders like Idi Amin and Milton Obote. 

Some say he brought stability, security, and growth to Uganda, but others criticize his strict rule, violations of people’s rights, and involvement in fights in nearby areas. He’s won six elections in a row, the last one in 2021, but there have been claims of cheating and repression. His estimated net worth is $4 billion.

2. Janet Museveni ($1.5 billion) 

Janet Museveni has been Uganda’s first lady since 1986, and the education and sports minister since 2016. She is also among the richest politicians in Uganda. She is married to Yoweri Museveni, they have four children. 

Born in 1948 in Kajara county, Ntungamo district, she went to missionary schools. She earned a master’s degree in organizational leadership and management from Uganda Christian University. 

She started charities like the Uganda Women’s Effort to Save Orphans (UWESO) and the National Strategy for Advancement of Rural Women in Uganda (NSARWU). She was also the minister for Karamoja affairs from 2011 to 2016 and a member of parliament for Ruhaama county from 2006 to 2016. Her estimated net worth is $1.5 billion.

 3. Sam Kutesa ($500 million) 

Sam Kutesa is a Ugandan who does politics, business, and law, but has been in trouble for corruption. He used to be Uganda’s Foreign Affairs Minister from 2005 to 2021 and even led the United Nations General Assembly in 2014–2015. 

Born in 1949 in Mbarara district, he studied political science and economics in Tanzania. He joined movements against colonialism and fought against Idi Amin and Milton Obote. 

He was married to Jeniffer Nankunda until she died in 2020, and they had six kids. One of his children is married to Muhoozi Kainerugaba, President Yoweri Museveni’s son. His net worth is around $500 million.

4. Amama Mbabazi ($400 million) 

Amama Mbabazi is a Ugandan who’s into politics, law, and was one of the founders of the National Resistance Movement, Uganda’s ruling party. He is one of the richest politicians in Uganda and used to be Uganda’s Prime Minister from 2011 to 2014 until President Museveni fired him. 

He also tried running for president in 2016 but lost to Museveni. Born in 1949 in Kabale district, he grew up on a farm. He went to Kigezi College Butobere and Ntare School for school, then got a law degree from Makerere University. 

He also got a diploma in law from the Law Development Center in Kampala. He played a big part in Uganda’s fight against bad governments from 1972 to 1986. He’s married to Jacqueline Mbabazi, and they have six kids. People think he’s worth about $400 million.

5. Rebecca Kadaga ($200  million) 

Rebecca Kadaga is a lawyer and politician from Uganda who was the Speaker of Uganda’s Parliament from May 19, 2011, to May 21, 2021. Now, she’s Uganda’s First Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister for East African Community Affairs. She’s the first woman to become Speaker in Uganda’s Parliament. Born in 1956 in Kamuli District, she studied law at Makerere University and the University of Zimbabwe. 

Since 1989, she’s been a Member of Parliament representing the Kamuli District Women’s Constituency. She started charities like the Uganda Women’s Effort to Save Orphans (UWESO) and the National Strategy for Advancement of Rural Women in Uganda (NSARWU). People estimate she’s worth about $200 million.

6. Edward Ssekandi ($150 million) 

Edward Ssekandi is also among the richest politicians in Uganda and lawyer who was the Vice President of Uganda from May 24, 2011, to June 21, 2021. Before that, he was the Speaker of Parliament from 2001 to 2011. He represented Bukoto County Central constituency in Parliament from 1996 to 2021. 

Born in 1942 in Masaka District, he did well in law school at the University of East Africa, and got a diploma in law from the Law Development Center in Kampala. He worked as a lecturer and was in charge at the Law Development Center. He also led investigations into human rights abuses. He was part of the group that wrote Uganda’s constitution in 1995. People think he’s worth about $150 million.

7. Moses Ali ($100 million) 

Meet Moses Ali, a Ugandan leader who’s also a retired military general. Right now, he’s the Second Deputy Prime Minister and helps run the government’s business in Parliament. Born in 1939 in Adjumani District, Moses went to study law and economics in Tanzania. 

Back in 1971, he was part of the team that helped Idi Amin become president. He even worked as the Minister of Finance under Amin. But things changed, and he had some disagreements with Amin. He’s been in the National Resistance Movement since 1986 and has done different jobs in the government since then. People say he’s worth about $100 million.

8. Evelyn Anite ($80 million)

Let’s talk about Evelyn Anite, a journalist and one of the richest politicians in Uganda. She’s currently a State Minister in charge of finances for investments and privatization in Uganda’s government. Born in 1984 in Koboko District, Evelyn studied communication at Uganda Christian University. 

She started her career as a radio presenter and then got into politics. In 2011, she represented young people from Northern Uganda. Later, she became the State Minister for Youth and then for Investments and Privatization. Even though she lost her seat in the 2020 elections, she’s still respected. People think she’s worth around $80 million. 

9. Ruhakana Rugunda ($50 million)

Meet Ruhakana Rugunda, a doctor and politician from Uganda who was the Prime Minister of Uganda from 2014 to 2021. He’s been working in the government for a long time, starting way back in 1986 under President Yoweri Museveni. He’s done a bunch of important jobs, like being Uganda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Internal Affairs. 

He’s also been a top representative for Uganda at the United Nations and even the Minister of Health. Born in Kabale District on November 7, 1947, to a Ugandan dad and a Kenyan mom, Ruhakana went to Kigezi High School, Busoga College Mwiri, and then Makerere University Medical School. 

Later, he studied medicine at the University of Zambia and got a Master’s in public health from the University of California, Berkeley. People say he’s worth about $50 million, making him one of Uganda’s wealthiest politicians.

10. Betty Kamya ($40 million) 

Let’s talk about Betty Kamya, a businesswoman and also one of the richest politicians in Uganda. Right now, she’s the Inspector General of Government since July 16, 2021. Before that, she was the Cabinet Minister of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development from December 2019 to May 2021, and before that, she was the Minister for Kampala Capital City Authority from 2016 to 2019.

She’s also the founder of the Uganda Federal Alliance (UFA), a political party in Uganda. In 2011, she ran for president but came fifth. Before all that, she was a Member of Parliament for Lubaga North Constituency. Born in Nakuru, Kenya, on November 30, 1955, to a Ugandan dad and a Kenyan mom, Betty went to McKay Memorial School and Saint Hellen’s Primary School in Uganda for her early schooling. 

Then, she went to Wanyange Girls’ School and King’s College Budo for high school. After that, she went to Makerere University and got a degree in marketing. People estimate she’s worth about $40 million, making her one of Uganda’s richest politicians too.

Who is the Richest Politician in Uganda? 

Yoweri Museveni is the richest politician in Uganda. He has been Uganda’s president since 1986, leading the National Resistance Movement (NRM). He was born in 1944 in Mbarra district, he studied political science and economics at the University of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania.

He joined movements against colonialism and fought against leaders like Idi Amin and Milton Obote. His net worth is $4 billion.

Richest Men that are Politicians in Uganda

Here are the richest men that are politicians in Uganda:

Amos Nzeyi

As the chairman of the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry and a former chairman of the Uganda Manufacturers Association, Amos Nzeyi is a titan in Uganda’s business realm. With a net worth surpassing $1 billion, Nzeyi’s investments in real estate, banking, bottling, bakery, and hotels underscore his entrepreneurial acumen.

A stalwart of the NRM party and a former MP for Nakasongola District, Nzeyi continues to champion economic growth and industrial development in Uganda.

Karim Hirji

A beacon of entrepreneurship, Karim Hirji has left an indelible mark as the founder and chairman of the esteemed Dembe Group of Companies. With a net worth exceeding $700 million. Hirji is into hospitality, real estate, manufacturing, and education, an ardent supporter of the NRM party, Hirji’s previous stint as a Member of Parliament for Kampala Central underscores his commitment to national development through economic empowerment and enterprise.

Sam Kutesa

He is known for his diplomatic prowess, Sam Kutesa commands respect as Uganda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and a prominent figure within the ruling NRM party. With a net worth of $200 million, Kutesa’s interests span across various industries, including oil, banking, construction, and aviation. 

Peter Ssematimba

Peter Ssematimba has made significant contributions as the member of parliaments for Busiro South and former mayor of Kampala. He has a net worth exceeding $100 million, Ssematimba’s investments in broadcasting, entertainment, education, and agriculture reflect his commitment to various sectors of the economy. 

Conclusion

Having discussed the richest politicians in Uganda, it is evident that some politicians in Uganda have immense wealth, using it to bolster their sway, influence, and popularity within the political sphere. From business ventures to ties with influential families, their paths to prosperity changes and sometimes murky.

Most of these politicians are corrupt and they do not do their jobs right. I hope you enjoyed reading this article! You can let me know your favorite politicians in Uganda through the comment section. Hoping to see you in my next article!

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