Phina Mugerwa, popularly known as Phina Masanyalaze has declared her candidacy for the Female Workers Member of Parliament seat in the forthcoming general elections.
Mugerwa who made the declaration today at Hotel Africana, Kampala revealed that she aims to advocate for workers’ rights, particularly for women, focusing on issues like low pay, workers’ struggle with inadequate compensation, job insecurity, uncertainty and instability in employment.
“I come not just as a musician but as a workers’ advocate. I know the challenges workers face such as low pay, job insecurity, and unsafe working conditions. Women workers also face harassment and unequal treatment. These are the issues I want to raise in Parliament,” she said while addressing journalists, fellow artists, and representatives from the labour Unions.
Mugerwa who is also the General Secretary of the Uganda Musicians Association and Vice Chairperson of the Uganda National Culture Centre Board, said her experience in the creative industry has shown her the value of resilience and determination, and she plans to use her platform to raise awareness on labour issues.
The musician added that she plans to work on forming cooperatives among different labour unions and support them with financial tools to grow.
She further noted that many Ugandans connect more with music and performance than written policy, and she plans to use “edutainment” as a way of communicating labour rights and responsibilities.
“I am not here to make promises. I am here to take action. Your struggles are my struggles. Your fight will be my fight,” Mugerwa who is also a culture leader assured.
During the same press conference, Usher Wilson Owere, the Chairman General of the Amalgamated Transport and General Workers Union and a long-time voice in the country’s labour movement, welcomed Mugerwa’s interest in contesting for the seat.
He said there is a need for new leaders who can connect workers with Parliament and government.
“There is a big gap between workers and the decision-makers. We need someone who can help bridge that gap. Phina is energetic, and I see potential in her leadership, ” said Owere.
He encouraged Mugerwa to remain committed and to serve workers with honesty and seriousness.
“If you don’t do a good job, I will not hesitate to speak out. But if you stay true to your words, you will have our support,” he said.
Additionally, Owere called for more young people to join the labour movement in order to take the agenda forward.
“Some of us have done our part, but we need new energy. The problems workers are facing today cannot be solved in the same old ways.”
Mugerwa’s decision to contest adds a new voice to the growing interest in worker representation ahead of the next elections.
In the race, Mugerwa will face off with Agnes Kunihira of the ruling National Resistance Movement, who is the incumbent and party flagbearer.
Meanwhile, the Independent Electoral Commission headed by Justice Simon Byabakama will nominate the directly elected MPs between October 15-16, 2025.
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