A new wave of political momentum is emerging in Mukono District following the announcement by Stephen Ganzi Musoke, a National Unity Platform (NUP) loyalist, that he will contest for the position of LC5 Chairperson.
Ganzi, the former Secretary for Production, Trade and Local Economic Development, has officially returned his forms to the NUP secretariat, signaling his readiness to challenge both the incumbent and candidates from other parties.
NUP had planned to close the submission of interest forms today, with several party members seeking nominations for various positions ahead of the 2026 elections.
Among them, Ganzi’s name stood out, particularly due to his existing role as a district councilor representing Namataba Town Council.
His decision to contest for the top district seat brings a fresh twist to the political landscape, especially within NUP’s internal politics.
Speaking to this website, Ganzi expressed confidence in his ability to lead Mukono District, citing both experience and exposure gained during his five years in local government.
“Our president, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, has always reminded us that this generation of youth must take part in leadership.
I have served as a councillor for five years and have learned a lot about local governance, development, and the people’s needs.
With this experience and the connections, I have built, I believe I can contribute meaningfully to the district’s progress,” Ganzi said.
Ganzi added that his years serving on the incumbent chairperson’s executive committee gave him firsthand insight into the strengths and weaknesses of Rev. Peter Bakaluba Mukasa, the current LC5 chairperson.
He believes this insider knowledge puts him in a unique position to perform better if given the NUP flag.
Ganzi’s bold step serves as a wake-up call for Rev. Bakaluba, who has already returned his own forms seeking endorsement for a second term.
Political observers suggest that Ganzi’s youthful appeal and record as a grassroots mobilizer could pose a real threat to Bakaluba, particularly among young voters and NUP’s increasingly active base.
“The race for the NUP ticket will not be a walkover,” a political analyst in Mukono noted. “Bakaluba is seasoned, but Ganzi represents the kind of youthful energy and reformist image that resonates with the current political climate under NUP.
The question will be whether he can consolidate enough support to overcome Bakaluba’s incumbency advantage.”
Whoever secures the NUP flag will face Francis Lukooya Mukoome, who has already clinched the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) ticket.
Mukoome is a familiar face in Mukono politics and has a strong party structure backing him, which means the final race is likely to be highly competitive.
Chances of Winning: Ganzi’s Outlook
Based on current dynamics, Ganzi’s chances depend heavily on:
Securing the NUP Flag: The NUP primary is the biggest hurdle, as Bakaluba still commands significant influence due to incumbency and previous networks.
Ganzi’s ability to mobilize the youth vote and present himself as a fresh, reformist candidate could give him a 40-45% chance of beating Bakaluba, provided he runs a strong grassroots campaign.
Building a Cross-Party Appeal: In a general election, the NUP candidate is expected to enjoy significant support in urban and semi-urban areas of Mukono, where NUP has a strong base.
If Ganzi wins the flag, his youth-centric message could boost turnout among first-time voters, giving him around a 50% chance of winning against Mukoome, assuming NUP remains united.
Campaign Resources: As a relatively new contender for a district-wide seat, Ganzi will need substantial financial and logistical resources to counter Mukoome’s well-funded NRM strategies and Bakaluba’s existing networks.
The LC5 race in Mukono is shaping up to be a three-way showdown between youthful ambition, incumbency, and ruling-party dominance.
For now, Ganzi Musoke’s entry not only energizes NUP’s base but also signals a generational shift in local politics.
His chances hinge on how effectively he can convert his grassroots reputation into a district-wide political force.
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