Peter Sematimba is one of Uganda’s most recognizable public figures—and not just because of his sharp suits and signature ‘make-up kit’. He’s been a pastor, politician, businessman, radio mogul, and a bit of a controversial figure too. But who is the man behind the name?
Here’s everything you probably didn’t know about Peter Sematimba—the life, career, and controversies.
A Life Between Two Worlds
Born in 1961 (age 64 years), Peter Sematimba grew up in Uganda but spent a big chunk of his youth in the United States. He’s actually an American citizen with a home in Los Angeles, California. That’s where his wife, Juliet, and their children live. In his own words, “Uganda is my workstation, but LA is where my heart and home are.”
He’s been back and forth between the two countries for decades now, balancing business, politics, and faith.
From DJ to Pastor to Politician
Sematimba returned to Uganda in 1993, leaving his family in the U.S. He started out in the entertainment industry—yep, he was once a DJ and music producer. He worked at Dungeon Studios right when Ugandan music was just starting to find its commercial footing.
Later, he turned to ministry, becoming a born-again Christian pastor, a role he still proudly holds. Then came politics. In 2006, he ran for Lord Mayor of Kampala and lost to the late Nasser Ntege Ssebagala. But he didn’t stop there. He later won a lower position as Rubaga Division Chairperson and held that office until 2011.
In 2016, he ran for and won the Busiro South Member of Parliament seat under the NRM party—but that victory was short-lived.
The Academic Controversy
One of the biggest setbacks in Sematimba’s political career came when his academic qualifications were questioned in court. Justice Lydia Mugambe nullified his 2016 MP win after the Democratic Party’s Steven Sekigozi challenged the validity of his academic papers.
Sematimba didn’t argue much—he simply went back to school. In 2019, he sat for his Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) exams at Kakoola High School and passed with 13 points. Not many politicians would take that route, but he did.
He also holds a diploma in Electrical and Computer Technology from the Pacific Coast Technical Institute in the U.S.
What’s Up With His Look?
If you’ve seen Sematimba, you’ve definitely noticed his style. He’s always clean, crisp, and fully made up. He’s known for always carrying a makeup kit—and he doesn’t shy away from it. “I care about how I look. If you’re going to stand in front of people, you better represent well,” he once said.
Super FM and Business Hustle
Sematimba is the founder of Super FM, one of Uganda’s popular radio stations. He also has multiple real estate properties in Kampala and in Busiro County. Say what you want, but the man knows how to build a brand.
Family Life & Drama
Though he’s publicly known, Sematimba tends to keep his family out of the spotlight. He’s married to Juliet Sematimba, and they share children. The family splits time between Uganda and California.
But not everything has been smooth sailing. In 2021, his former maid, Namatovu Joan, publicly accused him of taking away their daughter and blocking her from access. She said she raised the child on her own for ten years. Sematimba filed for full custody at Makindye Family Court, claiming Namatovu couldn’t provide the necessary support.
She wasn’t having it. “I raised our daughter alone for 10 years. I’m more than capable,” she fired back. The case got a lot of media attention and added another layer to Sematimba’s already eventful public life.
”My name is Joan Namatovu, I am here to inform you that I was working as a house girl for Peter Ssematimba and he impregnated me, I gave birth and started looking after my child. He now wants the full custody of my 10 year old kid yet I am the one that has raised the kid,” she said on Bukedde TV.
Still Going Strong
Despite losing the 2021 MP race to NUP’s Matovu Charles, Sematimba remains an influential voice in Uganda’s political and business circles. Whether you like him or not, you can’t ignore him. He’s smart, stylish, and always knows how to stay in the headlines.
What makes Peter Sematimba stand out?
Peter Sematimba is more than just a politician. He’s lived a life of reinvention—from a DJ booth in Kampala to preaching at a pulpit and running for office. He’s a reminder that public life comes with highs, lows, and unexpected twists.
If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to juggle politics, religion, and family across continents, Peter Sematimba’s story is a real-life case study.
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