Veteran journalist Isaac Imaka has officially announced his candidacy for the Jinja North Member of Parliament seat in Uganda’s 2026 elections, signaling his formal entry into politics after years of impactful journalism and public relations work.
Imaka’s journey from a prominent reporter to a political aspirant reflects his evolving influence in both media and public affairs.
Imaka’s career began as a parliamentary correspondent at Daily Monitor, where he became known for his incisive reporting on Ugandan politics and governance.
During his journalistic tenure, he developed close ties with Speaker Rebecca Kadaga, who was one of the most powerful figures in Ugandan politics at the time. His work brought him into the corridors of power, allowing him to cover key issues such as political rivalries and national governance.
However, as the political landscape shifted, so did Imaka’s alliances. In a surprising move, he crossed over to the camp of then-Prime Minister Patrick Amama Mbabazi, who was seen as a political adversary to Kadaga.
This switch signaled a strategic pivot in Imaka’s professional relationships, positioning him closer to Mbabazi’s bid for political dominance. The rivalry between Kadaga and Mbabazi added tension to Imaka’s position, temporarily estranging him from Kadaga.
Over time, however, Imaka managed to reconcile with Kadaga, and the two became close once again. His ability to repair this relationship demonstrates his skills and capacity to navigate Uganda’s often tumultuous political landscape.
Today, Imaka and Kadaga are known to be close friends, underscoring his ability to maintain influential connections.
Following his departure from Daily Monitor, Imaka ventured into corporate management, leading a gambling company and later founding his own public relations agency. His focus eventually turned toward promoting the Busoga Kingdom, working closely with the Kyabazinga, King William Gabula Nadiope IV. Imaka’s involvement in the kingdom’s activities, including promoting sports such as golf and scouting, solidified his standing as a key figure in Busoga’s development.
Last year he founded Busoga Today, the only english newspaper in the region.
His announcement to run for the Jinja North MP seat aligns with his broader commitment to the region, where he aims to bring about meaningful change.
As Imaka prepares for the 2026 elections, his experience in media, corporate leadership, and kingdom service positions him as a formidable candidate. His ability to build bridges and foster relationships across political divides will likely be a critical asset in the upcoming race
