
It is official that Erias Lukago is running yet again for Lord Mayor of Kampala. A title and an office he has held since 2011. He has been impeached twice and been the target of the state. The whole state apparatus has shifted and clipped the wings of the Lord Mayor. The creation of Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) with the mandates of Executive Director and Minister of Kampala has taken away the power and prestige of the Lord Mayor. However, that hasn’t stopped Lukwago from seeking it.
He has done so on the flag of the Democratic Party (DP), as Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) and now as People’s Front for Freedom (PFF). Different parties and different banners, but the same man. The one who defied the state and stood resilient against it. Nevertheless, is it a time to say goodbye?
The Counsel and former Member of Parliament, the man who has represented Kampala for so long. Is there a time to give way and let another take the mantle?
Maybe, especially, when a brother who has complained about the overstaying and the prolonged agony of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. That’s when you know your principles and your moral backbone isn’t that strong. Especially, when the same rhetoric and bounds doesn’t apply to your own self.
Lord Mayor Lukwago should reconsider this, as he has been doing this and he should let other people run the city. He should let other people become the Master of Ceremonies and get into the position of ceremonial leader of Kampala. Just so they can feel the pinch and the structure that is built against the elected officials. The creation of KCCA and the Ministry, which holds a chokehold over the elected leadership of the city. That’s what he should do and then the new leaders could reflect on it. They could understand the plight and the problems associated with the role. Unless, his selfish act of resilience for personal gains.
Lord Mayor Lukwago looks like a man who fights for himself and his own when he does for this long. When he ringfence the position and office. Instead of letting other people go ahead. He could seek other pastures and be resolved there. Be a prominent lawyer and a renegade on the sidelines. Maybe not as public, but still he would be recognized for his efforts. Just look at Eron Kiiza and how his name rings bells.
Well, Lukwago has his personal reasons for continuing to be fight for this position. An office he has held over an decade and will soon have for two if his elected on a fourth term. There is time for him to let go. Not because it’s time for the National Unity Platform (NUP) to have it, but because Lukwago himself must reflect on his own legacy.
If he pursuits this now. A selfish leader who doesn’t let anyone become a successor and then his no different than the dictator he has claimed to fight. It is time for his stop and reflect on that. He can tell stories and tell how it was fighting the system. The former Lord Mayor can explain how he fought and what needs to be done. However, if he continues… things will just be more of the same and we cannot see any changes. Peace.











