Ivan Kyeyune, now the newly elected Member of Parliament for Nakasongola County, has long been a familiar face on Ugandan television. He is the presenter of the weekly segment ‘Zungulu,’ a comic show that highlights the week’s most unusual and quirky soft news stories.
NTV Uganda has expressed hopes of keeping Kyeyune within its ranks, despite his recent political triumph. The network values his unique style and the charm he brings to lighthearted storytelling. Fans of ‘Zungulu’ are curious about the fate of the show now that their beloved presenter will be serving in Parliament.
Kyeyune ran for the Nakasongola County seat on the National Unity Platform (NUP) ticket and finally secured victory on his third attempt. His previous two campaigns had ended in defeat, making this triumph a hard-earned milestone in his political career.
Election day was far from smooth for Kyeyune. On January 15, he was reportedly attacked by armed men while trying to rescue his polling agents, leaving him severely beaten and hospitalized. Despite the violence, he remained resolute and committed to his constituency.
His win has been celebrated widely by both colleagues in journalism and the general public. Many have praised his resilience and determination, noting that his journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring politicians and media personalities alike.
Questions have emerged about whether Kyeyune will continue hosting ‘Zungulu.’ Mrs. Flavia Tumusiime, Head of Broadcasting at Nation Media Group, confirmed that discussions are ongoing with him regarding his future at NTV. “We are still in talks with Onarebo,” she remarked in response to fans on X, hinting that the segment may yet continue in some form.
Kyeyune’s election makes him the third NTV journalist in five years to enter Parliament. Agnes Nandutu, now Bududa Woman MP, and Joel Ssenyonyi, who represents Nakawa West, both transitioned from media to politics and went on to hold influential roles as Junior Minister for Karamoja Affairs and Leader of Opposition in Parliament, respectively.
With his combination of media experience, public appeal, and now political office, Ivan Kyeyune is poised to make an impact both in Parliament and in the hearts of his viewers. His journey demonstrates how dedication, resilience, and a touch of humor can open doors in unexpected ways.
