Ronald Kibuule

Ronald Kibuule is a Ugandan politician. He is the State Minister for Water Resources in the Ugandan Cabinet. He was appointed to that position on 1 March 2015, replacing Betty Oyella Bigombe. From 27 May 2011 until 1 March 2015, he served as the State Minister for Youth and Children. He also serves as the elected Member of Parliament for Mukono County North, Mukono District.

Kibuule was born on 20 January 1984 in Kasenge Village, Nama sub-county to Zefania Lusebeya, a businessman, and Grace Naguta, a housewife. He attended St. John's Education Center, in Mukono Town, and completed his primary leaving examination there. He then joined Mukono Parents High School where he completed his O-Level education in 2002 and his A-Level education in 2004. He was admitted to Uganda Christian University in 2003. He studied social work, graduating in 2008 with a Bachelor of Social Work & Social Administration degree.

While still in elementary school, Kibuule acted in a school play where he played the character of the President of Uganda. The guest of honor at that function was Al Hajji Moses Kigongo, the vice chairman of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) political party. Kigongo took an interest in Kibuule and over time he became a close acquaintance. He introduced the young man to NRM leaders, including Amama Mbabazi, the party's secretary general, and Yoweri Museveni, the party's chairman and the President of Uganda. Kibuule became close to Mbabazi, who became his guardian and benefactor. Mbabazi, at that time the Minister of Security, paid Kibuule's school fees at high school and at university. The young man became an aide to this high-ranking cabinet minister. Between 2006 and 2011, he served as a councilor for Kasenge Parish in Nama-sub-county. In 2011, he won the Mukono County North parliamentary seat and is still the incumbent. During his tenure in Mukono District and national politics, he has made friends with many Chinese investors who have set up industries, factories, and warehouses in Mukono District, especially along the Kampala-Jinja Highway.

In 2013, Kibuule made controversial statements indicating that police should charge the victims of rape if they are indecently dressed. While addressing youth in Kajara County, Ntungamo District, he said that police should establish the dress of rape victims and set rapists free if the victims are indecently dressed. Kibuule considers indecent dress to include bikinis, miniskirts, and tighy jeans. His comments drew strong criticism, with Members of Parliament urging him to "have self-control", demanding an apology, and questioning why he would mislead men "by saying that it is okay for them to go ahead and rape women who put on short skirts." In a statement on the floor of the House, he minister said his statements had been misunderstood.

Kibuule is married to two wives, Fortunate Kibuule and Esther Kibuule, and is the father of three daughters, Natasha, Orishaba, and Samantha.