Engineer Stephen Kaweesi is seeking re-election as chairperson of Katooke Zone Local Council I, following his unsuccessful bid for the Nansana Municipality parliamentary seat in the recently concluded elections. Kaweesi, a former National Unity Platform (NUP) supporter, lost the party flag to incumbent Nansana Municipality MP Zambali Bulasio Mukasa ahead of the 2026 General Election.
He subsequently contested as an independent candidate but was also defeated. Following the election, Kaweesi joined the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), a civic group chaired by Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba. He is now seeking another term as LC1 chairperson for Katooke Zone in Nabweru Division, Nansana Municipality, Wakiso District.
Speaking to Uganda Radio Network, Kaweesi dismissed claims that he joined the LC1 race after losing the parliamentary election, saying he has served as Katooke LC1 chairperson since 2018 and is simply seeking re-election.
“I keep hearing that I entered the LC1 race because I lost the parliamentary seat. That is false. I have been chairperson since 2018, and I was still in office in 2026 when I ran for Parliament. Now I am contesting to retain the seat,” Kaweesi said.
Kaweesi is among candidates in Nansana whose campaigns have featured processions through trading centres and residential areas. Some contestants have also been accused by rivals of distributing money to voters. He said the LC1 race has become highly competitive because, beyond serving the community, the office carries influence and offers access to certain benefits.
“Government promised to increase our salary from Shs10,000 to Shs100,000, but that has not happened. However, there are other benefits. There is the respect from the community, priority in government programmes, and the money we get from stamping land sale agreements and recommendation letters. That is why people invest so much in these elections,” Kaweesi said.
Kaweesi said his immediate goal is to continue serving residents at the grassroots while rebuilding public confidence ahead of another parliamentary bid in 2031, which he described as his long-term political ambition.
Campaigns for the Local Council I elections have disrupted business in several parts of the Kampala Metropolitan Area, with candidates staging processions across communities to mobilise support. The contests have attracted intense competition, prompting political parties, including the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), to deploy mobilisation teams across Kampala and the surrounding districts-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
