By Aggrey Baba
Known for his fearless outspokenness in local council chambers and unwavering defence of public interests, former Mukono Municipality MP’s (Hon. Betty Nambooze) personal assistant and Mukono Central Division Speaker Mawanda Allan has formally declared his intention to contest against his former boss in the 2026 general elections.
Mawanda, who is currently serving his second term as a Councillor, says his bid is rooted in service, accountability, and the growing frustration of residents over poor infrastructure, neglected schools, and the steady encroachment on public resources.
A vocal champion of the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area (GKMA) urban development plan, Mawanda says he wants to take Mukono’s voice to the national level. “Mukono deserves better,” goes his campaign slogan, a phrase that has become common at municipal meetings and among local youth groups he supports.
He first gained political prominence during his time as Chairperson of the Gender and Social Services Committee (2016–2021), where he boldly defended unlicensed private schools that were facing closure by education officials. Unlike many who distanced themselves from the matter, Mawanda called for a more balanced and supportive approach to education regulation, arguing that these institutions served vulnerable children who had nowhere else to go.
His leadership journey has also seen him serve as General Secretary of Kyaggwe County Youth under the Buganda Kingdom and hold several positions in the Democratic Party, including Deputy Publicity Secretary for Mukono Central Division.
He is currently the Spokesperson of the Central Region Speakers’ Association, a role that has given him a wider platform to speak on governance issues affecting both local councils and the central government.
In 2022, Mawanda’s contribution to service delivery was formally recognized when Mukono District Local Government named him the Best Speaker in the district, citing his strong communication skills, grassroots mobilisation, and focus on innovation in council operations. His political style, often described as bold and uncompromising, has won him admiration across the political divide.
One of the biggest turning points in his political career came during a tense council meeting regarding Namyoya Forest Reserve. While some councillors pushed to divide the remaining forest land among themselves, Mawanda stood his ground and rejected the idea, insisting the council instead focus on exposing land grabbers and protecting public resources.
His principled stand earned him both criticism and praise, but it helped define him as a leader willing to put the interests of the public above political favours or self-enrichment.
The same meeting marked the beginning of his political clash with Mukono Municipality MP Betty Nambooze, who had opposed the GKMA development initiative that Mawanda publicly supported.
While many feared to take on Nambooze’s influence, Mawanda openly disagreed with her, saying Mukono’s urban transformation could not be delayed by political rivalries. The public has since closely followed their divergent views, with many youth and local leaders throwing their weight behind Mawanda’s development-first approach.
Away from council politics, Mawanda has also contributed greatly to the education sector, serving on school management committees and boards of governors for both primary and secondary schools in the area. His work in these institutions goes beyond policy. He’s known to regularly follow up on issues of pupil welfare, teacher morale, and learning conditions.
As he seeks to represent Mukono in Parliament, Mawanda has promised to prioritise improved road networks, clean water, and sanitation systems, especially in urbanising zones that are often ignored. He also wants to increase youth skilling opportunities and protect threatened natural resources like Namyoya Forest Reserve.
He says he will advocate for stronger public accountability systems and lobby for increased local government funding under the GKMA framework, which he believes is key to transforming the municipality.
With his campaign built on the pillars of integrity, courage, service, and development, Mawanda believes Mukono is ready for new energy and ideas.
If elected, he promises to remain accessible and people-centered, a leader who listens, acts, and stands up for what is right, even when it’s unpopular. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
