Doreen Nyanjura
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Doreen Nyanjura, Deputy Lord Mayor of Kampala and head of Special Interest Groups in the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), has called on NGOs to provide more support to politicians who lose elections.
Scientists have come up with a term: Post-election stress disorder, to describe increased stress levels encountered by politicians and political parties that have lost elections. This disorder has been linked to a higher incidence of physical and mental health symptoms, including anxiety, depression and headaches.
Nyanjura, a long-time political figure active since her university days, will leave office in May 2026 after losing the Mwenge Central parliamentary seat in Kyenjojo District on the PFF ticket. Her superior, Lord Mayor Elias Lukwago, also lost the Kampala Lord Mayor seat to NUP’s Ronald Balimwezo.
Taking to social media, Nyanjura reflected on the sudden drop in communication and invitations she now experiences, explaining that much of the attention she received was tied to the office she held rather than her personally.
She urged NGOs and civil society organizations to prioritize training and support programs for politicians who do not emerge victorious, noting that society largely celebrates winners while leaving those who face defeat to cope with emotional and financial challenges alone.
“Very few people care about those nursing wounds of defeat,” Nyanjura said, emphasizing the need for structured guidance for leaders exiting office. She also warned that political positions are temporary and that preparing for life after power is essential.
Her message comes as a reminder that the focus of leadership support should extend beyond election winners to include those adjusting to political setbacks.
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