KALUNGU — In the dusty trading centres and rolling hills of Kalungu East, the name Yusuf Kiruluuta Jr. Nkeretanyi has rapidly transformed from that of a city businessman into a symbol of youthful political change.
At just 32 years old, Yusuf Kiruluuta Jr. Nkeretanyi is preparing to take the oath as the Member of Parliament-elect for Kalungu East Constituency in Kalungu District, carrying with him the hopes of a largely youthful electorate that rallied behind his promise of empowerment, development and grassroots leadership.
Affiliated to the National Unity Platform (NUP), Kiruluuta emerged through the party’s rigorous vetting and flag-bearing process, eventually securing victory in a constituency many observers described as politically competitive and emotionally charged.
Yet beyond the campaign posters and political slogans lies the story of a soft-spoken young man whose journey into leadership has been shaped by business, community mobilisation and an enduring connection to ordinary people.
Standing modestly among supporters at one of his recent victory gatherings, Kiruluuta cut a figure that contrasts sharply with the traditional image of Uganda’s political elite. Short in stature, slight in build and speaking with a noticeable stammer, he does not fit the profile of the loud, commanding politician often associated with Ugandan politics.
But supporters say it is precisely this humility and authenticity that endeared him to voters.
“He speaks like one of us,” said a youth supporter in Kalungu Town Council. “People saw honesty in him. He understands struggle because he has lived it.”
Born and raised with deep roots in Kalungu, Kiruluuta pursued higher education and earned a bachelor’s degree in Drama and Film, a background that shaped both his communication style and understanding of public engagement. Associates say his training in the arts gave him an appreciation for storytelling, culture and the emotional realities facing ordinary Ugandans.
Before venturing into elective politics, Kiruluuta built his reputation in business circles in Kampala. For more than a decade, he has operated as a businessman in Mutundwe Kirinyabigo in Makindye Division, where he established himself as a respected trader and employer.
Friends describe him as disciplined, ambitious and deeply connected to young entrepreneurs trying to survive in Kampala’s unpredictable business environment.
“He knows what unemployment means because he has seen young people struggle every day,” said one of his longtime associates in Mutundwe. “That is why even before politics, he was already supporting youth initiatives.”
Indeed, long before the campaign season officially began, Kiruluuta had already started carving a name for himself in Kalungu East through community empowerment projects aimed at uplifting young people and vulnerable residents.
Residents credit him for supporting youth groups, small-scale business initiatives and community outreach programmes that created visibility for him beyond partisan politics.
Throughout the campaigns, his rallies frequently attracted large numbers of first-time voters, boda boda riders and unemployed youth who viewed his candidacy as a break from conventional leadership.
Political analysts say his victory reflects the growing appetite among Ugandan voters for younger leaders with relatable life experiences and practical economic ideas.
Now, with Parliament awaiting, Kiruluuta says the real work is only beginning.
“My primary focus is on ensuring that the people of Kalungu East experience tangible development,” Kiruluuta told this reporter. “We are going to improve infrastructure, support local businesses, and invest in education and healthcare. This is a new chapter for our constituency, and I am committed to delivering on my promises.”
For many residents, those promises touch on long-standing frustrations.
Parts of Kalungu East continue to struggle with poor road networks, limited access to health services, unemployment among the youth and challenges affecting farmers and traders. During campaigns, voters repeatedly raised concerns about service delivery and what they described as years of inadequate representation.
Kiruluuta insists his leadership will prioritise visibility and accountability.
“I want leadership that stays close to the people,” he said. “The people trusted me with this responsibility, and I must remain accessible to them. Leadership is not about making speeches only; it is about solving problems.”
His rise also mirrors the broader momentum of youthful political participation that has continued to shape Uganda’s opposition politics in recent years, particularly under the banner of the National Unity Platform.
Observers believe the pressure will now shift from campaign rhetoric to performance, especially for young legislators elected on promises of transformation.
But even critics acknowledge that Kiruluuta enters Parliament with significant public goodwill.
“He has energy, public support and a business background that could help him understand economic realities,” said a political observer in Masaka sub-region. “The challenge now is translating popularity into measurable results.”
As the May 14, 2026 swearing-in ceremony approaches, Kiruluuta says he is determined to leave a lasting mark in Parliament and prove that young leaders can deliver meaningful change.
“I am ready to serve,” he said calmly. “This victory is not mine alone. It belongs to the people of Kalungu East.”
For the young legislator from Kalungu, the journey from Mutundwe’s business lanes to the floor of Parliament now stands as both a personal triumph and a test of a generation eager to redefine leadership in Uganda.
