The growing political influence of Robert Peter Kabanda is increasingly becoming a major topic within Mukono’s political circles, with analysts and supporters closely watching the emergence of a youthful leader whose grassroots popularity continues to expand across the municipality.
Kabanda’s growing visibility comes at a politically sensitive moment for the National Unity Platform (NUP), especially following the shocking Mukono Municipality Speaker election where an NRM-backed candidate won despite NUP having a clear numerical majority in council. Out of the 23 councillors in the municipality, NUP controls 17 seats while NRM has only six. However, NRM candidate Constantine Kanga defeated NUP’s Phibie Faith Babirye in the secret ballot.
The outcome immediately sparked accusations of betrayal, internal divisions, and weak coordination within NUP ranks in Mukono. Political observers now argue that the Speaker election exposed a leadership gap among senior NUP politicians in the district, especially considering that Mukono remains one of the strongest opposition strongholds in Uganda.
During the 2026 general elections, NUP swept all parliamentary seats in Mukono District, further cementing the district’s reputation as a key opposition base. The party won Mukono Municipality, Mukono North, Mukono South, Nakifuma County, and the Woman MP seat.
Among the elected MPs were Betty Nambooze, Abdallah Kiwanuka, Robert Maseruka, Sulaiman Kiwanuka, and Sheillah Dravile Amaniyo.
Political commentators now question how a district that overwhelmingly voted for NUP failed to secure the municipality speakership despite having the numbers. Some analysts argue that experienced leaders within the district should have done more to organize, guide, and maintain unity among councillors before the vote.
Particular attention has been directed toward Betty Nambooze, one of Uganda’s most experienced opposition politicians, who has represented Mukono for over a decade after first entering Parliament in 2010. Critics argue that Nambooze possessed the political influence and experience necessary to mobilize councillors, organize caucus meetings before the election, and build consensus around the official NUP candidate.
Some analysts further believe senior party leaders in Mukono could even have involved NUP president Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu through direct engagement or a last-minute caucus call with councillors to reinforce party discipline before the Speaker vote.
Instead, the defeat left many opposition supporters questioning whether internal political interests, personal ambitions, or hidden divisions within the party may have played a role in the outcome. Others believe the failure weakened NUP’s public image in Mukono, especially because the municipality has consistently voted overwhelmingly in favor of the opposition.
Amid this political uncertainty, Robert Kabanda’s influence appears to be steadily growing. In the 2026 mayoral elections, Kabanda secured 13,112 votes to defeat NRM’s Mikidadi Mulimira, who polled 5,054 votes. His victory elevated him from division-level politics into one of the most visible political offices within the municipality.
Before becoming mayor, Kabanda served as Mukono Central Division chairperson, where he built strong connections with grassroots supporters, youth groups, and local mobilizers. Analysts argue that his political rise is unique because he remains relatively young compared to many established politicians in Mukono, yet continues to gain visibility through service delivery issues such as garbage collection, road maintenance, and local council administration.
Meanwhile, Betty Nambooze retained the Mukono Municipality parliamentary seat with 22,691 votes, defeating several challengers to secure another term in Parliament. Her long-standing political experience, national visibility, and strong loyalty among opposition supporters still make her one of the most influential opposition figures in Buganda.
However, observers now say Mukono could gradually be witnessing a transition toward a new generation of opposition leadership. While there is no public indication that Kabanda intends to challenge Nambooze politically in future parliamentary elections, discussions surrounding his long-term ambitions continue to grow within Mukono’s political landscape.
Political observers now believe that Betty Nambooze could already be feeling politically threatened by the growing influence of Robert Peter Kabanda, who is increasingly being viewed by some supporters as a possible successor and one of the strongest potential replacements for her ahead of the 2031 elections.
Although there has been no official declaration from Kabanda, political rumours within Mukono suggest that the youthful mayor could be eyeing the Mukono Municipality parliamentary seat in 2031 if his influence continues to expand during his term as mayor.
Some analysts believe that if Kabanda successfully consolidates his grassroots support during his mayoral term, he could emerge as one of Mukono’s most influential political figures by 2031. Others, however, maintain that Nambooze’s deep political roots and years of opposition activism still place her in a commanding position within Mukono politics.
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