I’m not quitting comedy – Jinja MP-elect Swengere

Comedian Husein Muyonjo, better known as Swengere, has dismissed suggestions that his election to Parliament marks the end of his comedy career.

He insists that he can successfully balance both entertainment and public service.

Swengere was voted Member of Parliament for Jinja North constituency on the National Unity Platform (NUP) ticket in last week’s parliamentary elections.

Speaking after his victory, the MP-elect admitted that his decision to seek elective office was not an easy one, largely because of scepticism surrounding artists who venture into politics.

“Deciding to join Parliament was challenging because a lot of people don’t take you seriously,” he said.

“There are those that I spoke to that asked me, ‘Will you not end up like Hilderman or other artists that joined parliament in the past and proved ineffective”

Swengere says however, that he has no intention of quitting comedy.

He said he will continue producing skits while executing his legislative duties.

“The good thing is that just before we started our campaigns, Bukedde TV offered me a new contract which I intend to execute.”

“In the past term, I have been serving as a councillor while also doing skits. Since I managed to balance both, I will be able to do the same in Parliament,” he said, adding that his main focus will be improved service delivery and representing the interests of his constituents.

Swengere rose to national fame through comedy skits in which he plays a loving, supportive and idiosyncratic family man.

The skits, aired on Bukedde TV and widely shared on social media, have made him one of the most recognisable artists from the eastern city of Jinja and helped pave his way into politics.

He explained that his large following on TikTok, Facebook and other platforms has gone beyond entertainment, becoming a powerful tool for community mobilisation and health awareness.

Swengere said he has used health-centred skits to rally communities and lobby for medical camps where hundreds of residents receive free treatment.

He added that the same platforms have enabled him to mobilise essential supplies such as Mama kits and medicines for underprivileged families.

Driven by a desire to amplify community voices through institutional power, Swengere said Parliament offers him a stronger platform to advocate for quality healthcare and improved social services, particularly for women and young people.

He also challenged long-standing stereotypes about artists in politics, arguing that creativity and leadership can go hand in hand.