John Patrick Amama Mbabazi served as the ninth Prime Minister of Uganda from 24 May 2011 to 19 September 2014. A central figure in the National Resistance Movement, he participated in the liberation efforts between 1972 and 1986. His career spans decades of government service, including roles as an attorney, security official, and cabinet minister within the Ugandan administration.
Legal Training and Early Career
Born on 16 January 1949 in Mparo Village, Rukiga District, Mbabazi received his secondary education at Kigezi College Butobere and Ntare School. He attained a Bachelor of Laws from Makerere University and a postgraduate diploma in legal practice from the Law Development Centre in Kampala. He qualified as an advocate and became a member of the Uganda Law Society in 1977. His professional path began as a state attorney in the Attorney General's Chambers from 1976 to 1978, while also serving as secretary of the Uganda Law Council.
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Mbabazi held several ministerial and executive positions throughout his career. Between 1986 and 1992, he served as head of the External Security Organisation and Minister of State for Defence. His later roles included Minister of State for Regional Cooperation, Minister of Defence, and Minister of Security. As Attorney General and Minister of Justice from 2004 to 2006, he gained public attention for his portfolio, earning him the nickname 'Super Minister'. He also contributed to the 1995 Uganda Constitution as secretary of the National Resistance Movement caucus in the Constituent Assembly.
Political Transition and Presidential Bid
Representing the Kinkiizi West constituency from 1996 to 2016, Mbabazi served as the National Resistance Movement's Secretary General for a decade starting in 2005. Following his removal as prime minister in 2014, he announced his intention to challenge President Yoweri Museveni for the presidency. After internal party disagreements, he stood as an independent candidate in the 2016 general election, backed by The Democratic Alliance. He finished in third place, receiving 1.39 percent of the vote.
Fast facts
- Born: 16 January 1949, Mparo, Rukiga District
- Citizenship: Uganda
- Education: Makerere University, Law Development Centre
- Prime Minister of Uganda: 2011–2014
- Attorney General: 2004–2006
- Parliamentary Service: 1996–2016
- Political Party: National Resistance Movement
- Professional Membership: Uganda Law Society
Questions readers ask
What official positions did Amama Mbabazi hold?
He served as Prime Minister, Minister of Security, Attorney General, Minister of Justice, Minister of Defence, and Minister of State for Regional Cooperation.
When did Amama Mbabazi run for president?
He ran for president in the 2016 general election as an independent candidate.
Achievements
- Prime Minister of Uganda (2011–2014)
- Minister of Security (2009–2011)
- Attorney General of Uganda (2004–2006)
- Member of Parliament of Uganda (2003–2016)
- Educated at Makerere University and Law Development Centre
