By Jamila Kemigisa
Metropolitan University held its highly anticipated graduation ceremony last week, celebrating a new cohort of scholars poised to make waves in various sectors. Among the standout graduates was Lydia Kiiza, the former Bunyangabu District Woman MP contestant, whose newly earned degree in Business Administration and Science Management is expected to reinvigorate her political aspirations. Â
Having previously faced off against Hon. Peace Mutuuzo, the incumbent and Minister of Gender, labour and social development, Kiiza is now gearing up for a formidable rematch in 2026 under Gen.Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU). Her latest academic achievement not only enhances her leadership credentials but also positions her as a strategically equipped contender in the upcoming political duel.
A seasoned politician and community mobilizer, Kiiza’s campaign in the last elections showcased her ability to challenge established figures. However, her academic milestone now adds a layer of intellectual fortification to her bid, aligning with Uganda’s shifting political dynamics, where voters increasingly favor leaders with proven expertise and innovative governance ideas.
Her degree in Business Administration and Science Management provides her with a technical grasp of financial management, policy implementation, and administrative efficiency, all of which are crucial in modern leadership. With her affiliation to Muhoozi’s PLU, a rising political force, Kiiza is expected to appeal to both grassroots supporters and Uganda’s urban electorate, creating a robust challenge to Mutuuzo’s incumbency.
Mutuuzo vs. Kiiza: A Battle of Influence and Vision 
Peace Mutuuzo, a strong political figure and an influential minister, remains a formidable force in Bunyangabu politics. As the Minister of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, she has used her position to push for progressive policies and women’s empowerment, which have solidified her support base.
However, Kiiza’s resurgence could shake the political equilibrium, especially if she capitalizes on her academic feat, fresh strategies, and PLU’s growing momentum. The 2026 race is shaping up to be a high-stakes battle between experience and redefined ambition, with voters keen to see whether Kiiza’s enhanced credentials can translate into a successful political comeback.
Metropolitan University, known for its innovative academic programs and leadership-oriented curriculum, has produced some of Uganda’s most influential professionals and politicians. Its Business Administration and Science Management program, from which Kiiza graduated, emphasizes critical thinking, economic sustainability, and governance principles, making its graduates highly competitive in both corporate and political spheres.
Several other notable figures also graduated during the ceremony, further cementing the university’s reputation as a hub for academic and leadership excellence.
As Uganda inches closer to the 2026 elections, the battle for the Bunyangabu Woman MP seat is set to be one of the most intriguing contests. With Kiiza sharpening her political toolkit through academic empowerment, and Mutuuzo wielding the influence of incumbency, the electorate is in for a heated showdown.
Will education and a fresh approach be enough to unseat an established minister? Or will Mutuuzo’s political machinery once again reign supreme? The answer lies in the months ahead, as both leaders embark on a battle for the hearts and minds of Bunyangabu voters.
I’ve learned so much from this post, thank you for the insights.