Hon Mubarak Munyagwa: The Full Biography of Uganda’s Lawyer, Former Mayor, Former MP and Common Man’s Party President
Who Is Hon Mubarak Munyagwa?
Some politicians speak for the people from a distance. Hon Mubarak Munyagwa built his name by standing close to them. He is a Ugandan lawyer and politician, a former Mayor of Kawempe Division, a former Member of Parliament for Kawempe South, a former chairperson of the COSASE Committee, and the founder and president of the Common Man’s Party.
His full name is Munyagwa Mubarak Sserunga, and many Ugandans know him by the nickname Mugati gwa Butter. He is 47 years old, a Muslim Muganda born in Kitagwenda District, married to Counsel Zango Joia, and a father. His estimated net worth is UGX 700 million.
Name and Nickname
His full name is Munyagwa Mubarak Sserunga. The nickname Mugati gwa Butter, meaning “bread with butter,” is a warm street level name that has stuck with him. It fits a politician who built his image on being ordinary and approachable.
Birth, Tribe and Faith
Munyagwa was born in 1979 in Kitagwenda District, in western Uganda. He is a Muganda by tribe and a Muslim by faith. His journey from Kitagwenda to Kampala’s political centre reflects the mix of regions and communities that make up Uganda’s capital.
Education: Makerere and the Law Development Centre
He holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from Makerere University and a Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Centre (LDC). Those two qualifications trained him as an advocate. His legal background shaped his later political style, especially his focus on accountability, contracts, and the proper use of public money.
Mayor of Kawempe Division: 2011 to 2016
Munyagwa served as Mayor of Kawempe Division from 2011 to 2016 under the FDC. He gained wide attention during the 2011 Walk to Work protests, when opposition leaders and ordinary citizens took to the streets to protest rising prices. His visibility during that period made him a recognised voice for city residents who felt squeezed by the cost of living.
Member of Parliament for Kawempe South: 2017 to 2021
He later represented Kawempe South as a Member of Parliament from 2017 to 2021. Kawempe is one of Kampala’s busiest and most densely populated areas, so representing it meant dealing with markets, transport, housing, and the daily concerns of working families.
Chairing COSASE: 2019 to 2021
From 2019 to 2021, he chaired the Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE). This committee scrutinises how public bodies manage money and operate. Chairing it is a serious responsibility, and his legal training suited the work. The role raised his national profile as a legislator who asked hard questions of public institutions.
Founding the Common Man’s Party
After leaving the FDC, Munyagwa founded the Common Man’s Party and became its president. The party’s name says what it hopes to represent: ordinary Ugandans. He stood as the party’s presidential candidate in the 2021 election. A presidential run brought him national attention and tested his message outside Kampala, whatever the result at the ballot box.
A Lawyer and Businessman
Away from politics, Munyagwa operates a legal service centre that serves clients with legal needs. He also deals in real estate and agriculture, two of Uganda’s most common routes to long term wealth. Having a law practice, property, and farming gives him income beyond politics.
Marriage and Family
He is married to Counsel Zango Joia, a fellow lawyer, and they have children together. A marriage between two legal professionals gives the family a shared understanding of law and public service.
Net Worth
His estimated net worth is UGX 700 million, drawn from his legal service centre, real estate, agriculture, and political and business activities.
Key Facts About Hon Mubarak Munyagwa
- Full name: Munyagwa Mubarak Sserunga
- Nickname: Mugati gwa Butter
- Born: 1979, Kitagwenda District
- Age: 47 years old in 2026
- Tribe and faith: Muganda, Muslim
- Education: LLB, Makerere University; Diploma in Legal Practice, Law Development Centre
- Mayor of Kawempe Division: 2011 to 2016 (FDC)
- Known for: Role during the 2011 Walk to Work
- MP, Kawempe South: 2017 to 2021
- COSASE chairperson: 2019 to 2021
- Party: Founder and president, Common Man’s Party
- Presidential run: 2021 election
- Business: Legal service centre, real estate, agriculture
- Wife: Counsel Zango Joia
- Children: Yes
- Net worth: UGX 700 million