Politics 10 August 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Man with 8 wives wins village chairmanship in Mukono on platform of 'management'
Hajji Habibu Ssalongo Nsikonnene, who gained notoriety for marrying seven wives in a single ceremony and later an eighth, has leveraged his widespread fame and perceived organizational skills to win a village chairmanship election in Mukono. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/how-nsikonnene-used-fame-from-8-wives-to-win-village-chairmanship-in-mukono-5553528
Hajji Habibu Ssalongo Nsikonnene, a businessman and traditional healer, has been elected the new village chairman of Namasengere in Mukono District. Nsikonnene, 38, ran as an independent candidate, defeating three others in a closely watched contest.
His rise to prominence began in 2023 when he married seven women simultaneously in a widely publicized Islamic wedding, an event that included a motorcade procession. He added an eighth wife in 2025, and last year, seven of his wives gave birth to seven babies. This unique family structure brought him national attention and, according to him, led to calls for him to enter politics.
Initially, Nsikonnene expressed no interest in elective politics. However, he stated that he was motivated to run due to what he perceived as a lack of visionary leadership in his village, citing impassable roads and a need for better community mobilization for development. “I realised that my village was lacking visionary leadership,” he explained.
During his campaign, Nsikonnene openly used his extensive family as a symbol of his organizational capabilities. Supporters frequently highlighted his ability to manage eight wives as proof of his leadership potential. He strategically deployed his wives as campaign agents across different parts of the village, giving him a significant advantage over his competitors.
Despite the obvious connection, Nsikonnene downplayed the idea that his multiple marriages were the sole reason for his victory, asserting that residents also favored him as a leader. The former chairman, Emmanuel Okware, did not seek re-election, acknowledging Nsikonnene’s strong support and describing him as a “generous young man who cherishes development.”
Nsikonnene, who has lived in Namasengere for a decade and operates a shrine, outlined his priorities as improving village roads and mobilizing residents for development initiatives. He also revealed plans to support his wives in pursuing further education, with one already in Senior Three aiming to become a nurse.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)