Mawanda Allan has officially joined the race for Member of Parliament representing Mukono Municipality, pledging to usher in a new brand of leadership rooted in unity, service delivery, and honest dialogue rather than confrontation.
Speaking shortly after his nomination, Mawanda expressed deep gratitude to his supporters, nominators, and mentors who have walked with him throughout his political journey.
Having served at local levels as a councillor, speaker, and spokesperson of speakers in Buganda, he believes he brings tested leadership and a fresh perspective to Mukono’s political landscape.
“My leadership is about cooperation — regardless of race, religion, or political colour. I want to bring together all local leaders from LCI to LC5 so that we can sit down and negotiate for our Mukono,” he said.
Mawanda, who identifies as an opposition activist, emphasized that his brand of opposition is not one of antagonism but solution-oriented engagement.
He insists that while the current government may not align with his political ideology, the people of Mukono deserve access to services funded by their taxes.
“Yes, I’m an opposition member, but my leadership is not about insulting or abusing. It’s about creating solutions. Mukono people must get what belongs to them because they are taxpayers,” he asserted.
A Call for Generational Change
Mawanda’s message carried a strong tone of generational renewal, as he challenged long-serving politicians who have held leadership positions for decades to pave the way for new ideas.
“We appreciate those who have served us. We respect them, but it’s time up. We want leadership of solutions, not deception. The people of Mukono now have a new leader in Mawanda Allan — a leader who believes in dialogue, even with those who disagree,” he said.
Drawing inspiration from celebrated legislators like Medard Sseggona, and Mathias Mpuuga, Mawanda said he aims to emulate their intellectual leadership, legislative courage, and community-centered politics.
Focus on Development and Accountability
Mawanda outlined several key priorities for Mukono Municipality, focusing on infrastructure, youth empowerment, and transparency in service delivery.
He particularly criticized the neglect of major infrastructure projects, including roads that have remained in government budgets for years without progress.
“Look at the road from Jokas to Mukono — it has been in the national budget for 15 years. Even as a mere speaker, I wrote to the Speaker of Parliament about it. So, how can a sitting MP fail to do such a simple follow-up?” he questioned.
He pledged to advocate for road rehabilitation, improved street lighting, and the construction of central markets to boost local commerce. Programs like USIMID and MATIP, he said, should be implemented efficiently to transform Mukono’s urban image.
Empowering the Youth
A self-described youthful and approachable leader, Mawanda expressed concern that many politicians remain distant from the younger population once elections end.
“The youths have supported us, but after elections, most leaders walk away. I am close to them; I understand their struggles. If a young person has a driving permit or skill, we must help them find work — not ignore them,” he said.
He promised to make youth inclusion a pillar of his leadership, arguing that Mukono’s progress depends on tapping the energy, creativity, and innovation of its young people.
Fresh Politics for a New Era
In a pointed critique of Uganda’s political stagnation, Mawanda dismissed what he termed as “politics of deception,” where leaders run on anti-Museveni rhetoric without tangible plans for their constituencies.
“You cannot come to contest for MP because Museveni also contested. He is over 80 years old — he cannot be the problem for another decade. We need leaders who tell the truth, even when it’s uncomfortable,” Mawanda stated.
With confidence in his experience and youthful vigor, Mawanda declared himself ready to bring vibrancy to Parliament.
“When I get to Parliament, I will speak. I know how the House operates, and I am ready to represent Mukono with energy and courage. It’s time to retire the Moses Ali’s of this generation and give way to new ideas,” he concluded.
As Mukono heads into a competitive parliamentary race, Mawanda’s message of unity, renewal, and pragmatic opposition positions him as a contender aiming to redefine what leadership means in the fast-growing municipality.
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