From Rugby Aspirations to Mr. Uganda: Hussein 'Finito' Mbajja's Bodybuilding Journey

Hussein Mbajja, widely known by his nickname ‘Finito’, never initially set out to become a professional bodybuilder. His journey began in 2010 with a focus on enhancing his physique and strength for rugby while studying at Makerere University Business School. Inspired by fellow athletes with impressive builds, Mbajja hit the gym, but the demands of the rugby field eventually led him to pivot his focus.

His path took a significant turn in 2014 when he encountered competitive bodybuilders at a gym in Naguru. Fascinated by the sport, he began to seriously consider bodybuilding. A pivotal moment came in 2017 when his trainer, Hamid Kayanja, advised him to choose between bodybuilding and powerlifting for competition. Mbajja chose bodybuilding, embarking on a transformative journey.

The transformation was rigorous. Kayanja recounts Mbajja’s initial state, describing a need for a complete “makeover” that involved intense training and a strict dietary reset. This period saw Mbajja significantly reduce his weight, dropping from 96kg to 70kg, a process that demanded immense discipline and patience.

The dietary aspect of bodybuilding proved to be a crucial and expensive learning curve. Mbajja emphasizes that bodybuilders focus on nutrient density over sheer volume, consuming precise amounts of protein and carbs, which often means expensive choices like chicken breast and fish. This strict regimen, contributing about 60 percent to success according to Mbajja and his trainer, is a significant hurdle for many.

His competitive debut in 2021 was marked by significant challenges. A drastic pre-competition diet led to a severe weight loss, leaving him feeling like a “skeleton.” This, combined with insufficient protein intake, resulted in a lack of muscle definition. His debut at the Mr. Kampala Championship saw him finish fourth, a performance compounded by stage fright.

Post-competition recovery also presented dangers. Mbajja learned the hard way about the need for a gradual reintroduction of food, narrowly avoiding severe illness after indulging in his favorite hearty meals too soon. These early setbacks, however, fueled his determination.

Through consistent effort and learning from his mistakes, Mbajja began to climb the ranks. He secured second place in the lightweight category at the 2022 Mr. Kampala and later at his second Mr. Uganda attempt. His breakthrough came in September 2023 when he won the inaugural Mr. Central Region Championship and subsequently clinched the coveted Mr. Uganda title in December 2025. His ambition now sets sights on the international stage, though sponsorship remains a key factor in his future endeavors.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)