David Lewis Rubongoya
David Rubongoya | |
|---|---|
Rubongoya | |
 Rubongoya addressing the Press | |
| Born | David Lewis Rubongoya 6 January 1988 Mbarara |
| Nationality | Ugandan |
| Citizenship | Uganda |
| Education | University of Oxford(2019–2021)
Harvard University (2014–2016) Makerere University (2009–2013) |
| Alma mater | Bachelor's degree in law
Master's Degree in constitutional law Master's Degree in human rights law |
| Occupation(s) | Lawyer and politician |
| Years active | 2017– present |
| Known for | Political activist |
| Political party | National Unity Platform |
| Opponent | Yoweri Museveni |
David Lewis Rubongoya (born January 6,1988) is a Ugandan lawyer, politician and University lecturer who played a key role in the founding of the National Unity Platform (NUP) political party, alongside its president Bobi Wine. He currently serves as the NUP's inaugural Secretary General since 2020.[1][2] He was also part of the People Power monement as an ally of Bobi Wine.
Early life and education
[edit]Rubongoya was born on January 6, 1988, in Mbarara, a western region of Uganda, to Goodman James Rubongoya and Nankunda Medius. He attended Kanyaryeru Primary School and Lake Mburo Secondary School, where he obtained the Uganda Certificate of Education. He later attended Nganwa High School in Bushenyi, where he was Head Prefect and earned the Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education.[3]
Rubongoya went on to pursue a Bachelor's Degree in Law at Makerere University in Kampala, before attending the Law Development Centre to become an advocate. In 2014, he was awarded a scholarship to pursue a Master's degree in Law at Harvard University in the United States, with a special focus on Constitutional law. After returning to Uganda and working briefly at the Equal Opportunities Commission, he was granted another opportunity to study at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom, where he obtained a master's degree in International Human Rights Law.[4][5][6]
Political career
[edit]After returning to Uganda from the US after his studies at Harvard University, Rubongoya took on various jobs, including working as a lecturer at the International University of East Africa in Kampala. It was during his time at the university that he met Bobi Wine, who was one of his students and a popular local musician in Uganda with social and politically inclined lyrics at the time. The two developed a close friendship, and in 2017, when Bobi Wine successfully ran for a parliamentary by-election and became a member of parliament for Kyadondo East constituency, Rubongoya was one of his supporters.[7]
In the same year, a controversial debate arose about granting President Museveni more power to rule after he reached the age of 75, which was the maximum age limit according to the Ugandan constitution. Rubongoya, who was an expert in constitutional law, was concerned about the potential abuse of power and joined the opposition, switching from his previous support for the ruling NRM party.[8]
In 2020, Bobi Wine, Rubongoya, and other key figures launched the National Unity Platform (NUP) political party, which was the political wing of the People Power movement led by Bobi Wine. Rubongoya was appointed as the party's General Secretary, and in 2021, the NUP participated in its first general election. Despite concerns about the election's fairness, Bobi Wine won more than 40% of the vote in his presidential bid, and the NUP secured 62 seats in the Ugandan parliament, a milestone for a new political party in Uganda.[9][10]
Rubongoya and his colleagues in the NUP have since become the leading opposition political party in Uganda, despite the challenges they have faced in their efforts to promote democracy and human rights in the country.[11][12]
Personal life
[edit]Rubongoya is currently unmarried and has three daughters.[13][14]
References
[edit]- ^ "David Lewis Rubongoya Archives". The Independent Uganda. Retrieved April 2, 2023.
- ^ "National Unity Platform", Wikipedia, January 24, 2023, retrieved April 2, 2023
- ^ BATTE, BAKER. "How this Harvard, Oxford-trained lawyer became the toast of the ghetto". The Observer – Uganda. Retrieved April 2, 2023.
- ^ Kasoba, William (October 30, 2021). "NUP SG Rubongoya graduates from University of Oxford in the UK". Matooke Republic. Retrieved April 2, 2023.
- ^ "David Lewis Rubongoya: Biography, Education, Wife, and Tribe of the current Secretary-General of NUP". Flash Uganda Media. December 15, 2020. Retrieved April 2, 2023.
- ^ Maberi, Nickson (October 29, 2021). "NUP's General Secretary Bags a Master's Degree From Oxford University". Campus Bee. Retrieved April 2, 2023.
- ^ Iragaba, Apollo (April 15, 2022). "7 Things You Didn't know about David Lewis Rubongoya". Hard Rock Media. Retrieved April 2, 2023.
- ^ "Bobi Wine and Rubongoya abandon NUP founder at a time he needs them most". Watchdog Uganda. Retrieved April 2, 2023.
- ^ Post, Entebbe (July 30, 2020). "Inside Story; Why People Power General Secretary Lewis Rubongoya Dropped NRM". Entebbe Post. Retrieved April 2, 2023.
- ^ Mazima (June 23, 2022). "Why NUP's Rubongoya Was Arrested and Jailed Briefly". Mazima News. Retrieved April 2, 2023.
- ^ URN (October 21, 2022). "Mao Alone Can't Negotiate a Transition for Uganda – Rubongoya". Mazima News. Retrieved April 2, 2023.
- ^ Reporter, Express (June 22, 2022). "NUP Secretary-General David Lewis Rubongoya arrested". Daily Express. Retrieved April 2, 2023.
- ^ "NUP's Secretary General Rubongoya and Wife Welcome Bouncing Baby Girl". blizz.co.ug. Retrieved April 2, 2023.
- ^ "NUP Secretary General Rubongoya welcomes second child". Vanguard News. March 7, 2022. Retrieved April 2, 2023.