10 years ago, no one would predict that a passionate, calm, carefree journalist that Mike Ssegawa was, at Daily Monitor, would turn out a politician residents in Mukono Municipality are talking about today.
With Ssegawa’s professional achievements, one would say, this was a man born for corporate boardrooms, and maybe, he would rise to become those media leaders or a scholar in the academic world given his brainy stuff.
But something already triggered this man, who in 2010 abandoned the air-conditioned office in Namuwongo where he was working as a senior sub editor at the features section and he accepted to take up a bureau chief’s position in Jinja town,where he oversaw Busoga region.
“That was Mike Ssegawa’s turning point,” friends say. ‘His outlook changed, he started fighting for poor people, advocated for upcountry journalists welfare, he pushed for more stories from his home area, Mukono and lobbied for jobs journalists from Mukono.”
When he returned to the headquarters in 2022 as deputy features editor, Ssegawa showed special interest in journalists and interns from Uganda Christian University, many of which have turned out to become newsroom managers.
“When we hear he wants to stand in Mukono Municipality, a lot of things make sense now,” another close friend at the Monitor, intimated.
Personal background
Ssegawa is an inspiring and relatable person. He genuinely loves people and is trustworthy. A lot has been written and said about him as an ex seminarian from Nyenga, and that trait of the seminary is written all over him.
“Meet Mike Ssegawa — has become Mukono media menu – and he’s not just because he’s driven through every corner on a boda boda trying to beat traffic – but one who carefully has studied the district parish per parish, village per village!”
Mukono’s Son
“Mike isn’t just another candidate; he’s your neighbor. Born and raised in the heart of Mukono – Kitebe Namaliga, in Nakisunga sub County, from where Fr Benedict Biagoli, a former Parish priest of Kisoga parish picked him and inspired him to join the seminary.
In Kitebe, Ssegawa’s mother who raised him as a single mother following the death of his father John C Ssentongo, he came to understand the community’s daily hustle—because he’s lived it. From walking barefoot to school as a young boy to becoming a respected journalist and leader, Mike’s journey is proof that big dreams can grow right here in Mukono’s red soil.”
He still remembers how jiggers terrorized his feet, and days of sleeping of lacking basic needs in life.
“If you wanted to get news, you didn’t switch on a TV in his home— instead you sat under the mango tree for local gossip.”
The Journalist and Advocate
“Mike began his career as a journalist at Sunrise newspaper, reporting the stories that matter – particularly technology, tourism and agriculture news. He didn’t just sit behind a desk; he was out in the field, asking tough questions, shining a light on injustice, and holding leaders accountable. If he could ask tough questions as a journalist, imagine what he’ll do in Parliament when it’s time to represent Mukono!”
“And yes, he’s made a few bigwigs sweat under the collar—but he promises to only make the people of Mukono smile.”
Proven Track Record
“As a communications specialist, Mike’s words have influenced national debates, but his actions speak even louder. He’s fought for better educational facilities especially for Ngandu community primary school where he found a school on its knees as he was elected a Councillor for the area and lobbied for its renovation. Now it has emerged from its shadow where a school population stood at 92 in 2020 and now children are over 600 in enrollment after the school was renovated. Ssegawa has also helped improve public services, and has been a tireless advocate for youth and women’s empowerment.
Key Achievements:
Spearheaded community education programs that reached over 5,000 students, especially at the time he has been deputy RDC for Mukono district.
Advocated for local road repairs, leading to real changes on Mukono’s busiest routes.
Supported youth initiatives via small financial support, creating job opportunities and mentorship programs.
Roads
“Mike knows the roads need fixing because he’s been stuck in Mukono traffic more times than a boda boda can count. He’s got a special plan to ensure that, for once, you’ll actually arrive on time for Sunday church!”
Vision for Mukono: Action Over Words
“Mike’s not a talker—he’s a doer. He’s seen Mukono’s potential firsthand and wants to put that promise into action. His vision? A Mukono where small businesses thrive, students don’t have to walk miles to school, and mothers don’t have to wait hours in line for basic health services.”
“If he had his way, every Mukono family would have access to healthcare faster than a boda boda can swerve through traffic—without the need for a helmet!”
The Mukono We Deserve
“Mike Ssegawa is the candidate who won’t just promise change—he’ll deliver it, because Mukono is more than a place to him—it’s home, it’s a work station.”
“And if he becomes your MP, he promises to keep his speeches shorter than the time it takes to cross Mukono’s notorious small, dusty roads at rush hour!”
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