Erias Lukwago: Statement on the 2026 Kampala City Lord Mayorship Polls (24.01.2026)

Opinion: No more Omuloodi Waali!

The era of Erias Lukwago as the Lord Mayor of Kampala might be over. The projections are all going the way of the National Unity Platform candidate Ronald Balimwezo. It would be the end of Lukwago after three term in office and before that he was elected in Parliament since 2005 and was elected as Lord Mayor from 2011. So, he has been there for 15 years and was scheduled to be for 20 years.

Just imagine he has been an elected official since 2005 and it might end for now in 2026. That means he was already elected for over two decades, but most of that in the position of Lord Mayor. A position has that has been contested, constrained and been a battleground. Which is why the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) became an entity with a Minister and an Executive Director to overpower and make the Lord Mayor ceremonial. Therefore, his entrenched placement together with being an opposition stronghold made the President edgy. That’s why he made the KCCA and did so to stifle the opposition in elected roles in capital.

Lukwago might have taken it easy and thought Balimwezo wouldn’t that big of an issue. He has fought against Captain Francis Babu and Peter Sematimba (NRM) in 2011. In 2016 he crushed Ragga Dee (NRM) and Issa Kikungwe. In 2021 he won over Ragga Dee again, Nabillah Naggayi Sempala (NUP) and Jose Chameleone. So, he has seen his races and conquered.

Now it was over. A man of the people and a possibility of fresh leadership in Kampala. The People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) wasn’t wrong in announcing and endorsing Lukwago. They had a person who had leadership and integrity, but there a was will among the people and the PFF couldn’t muster enough ahead of the polls.

Just like previous Local Government elections after the Presidential and Parliamentary has been low turnout or even boycott. There is sentiment of hopelessness and lack of enthusiasm after seeing the rigging and military operation of the first polls. So, the second polls are getting lack of drive and even the crowds running to elect anyone. That we have seen for over a decade and this one is no different.

Lukwago himself a journey man who has been loyal to Dr. Kizza Besigye. His a man of Besigye and been by his side as long as we can remember. So, it was natural that he went on the ticket of PFF. As he has gone from being independent leaning Democratic Party candidate, to DP to independent to Forum for Democratic Change (FDC). From FDC to PFF. So, his been on a long political journey and it seems to end here.

Today might seem like an earthquake and for some it is. It has been in the water and there been questions about the longevity. As some are seeking to sit indefinitely and just being like forever big-men and have no succession plan ahead. That’s what you could question and Lukwago is one of them. Now the people has decided and they has said “thank for your service, but now time for someone else”.

There been lots of trouble and tribulations in regards to Lukwago. He has been house-arrested, impeached, and seen the dark-side of politicking. A man who has been the one through it all. He will survive this too and find his ways. Might even retire and be a lawyer full-time. However, I wouldn’t be surprised if he would try to get elected somewhere in the future. Because, that’s him and been his life since 2005. Peace.

Balimwezo MP: An engineer from Nakawa runs to become the Lord Mayor of Kampala

“Despite the unprovoked violent attack on our comrades by the police and military, we were yesterday happy to receive back at our headquarters the next Lord Mayor of Kampala City, comrade Hon. Balimwezo Ronald, following his nomination to contest for the position in the forthcoming elections. We wish Hon. Balimwezo the very best as he seeks the mandate of the people of Kampala to overhaul its broken systems of management and set a new standard of servant leadership in the city. Kampala Yetaaga Engineer” (Bobi Wine, 05.09.2025).

It is now official that Ronald Balimwezo Nsubuga runs for Lord Mayor of Kampala. He will try to beat incumbent Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago. Those two will be the two main challengers of it and we all know it. The National Resistance Movement (NRM) can field a candidate, but that won’t matter in the grand scheme of things. Just like whoever dares to go independent won’t get far either, as this is a race between opposition leaders to become the Lord Mayor.

In 2006 he was elected as Councillor for Nakawa Division. In the next election in 2011 he was elected as a Mayor of Nakawa Division. That he won again in 2016. Before going away from the local government and running as an independent in Nakawa. He became a part of the People Power Movement and later National Unity Platform. This he did so he got elected in 2021 as a Member of Parliament for Nakawa East. He has lost Parliamentary election in the past, as long ago as 2006. When he lost to Freddie Ruhindi in the Nakawa Divison. Therefore, he hasn’t always won, but he has been able to retain an elected office over the years.

Now he is changing from being a MP to risk it all becoming Lord Mayor. The former boxer and engineer. We know he has another stance than others, when he said at one point that he wanted to emulate John Ken Lukyamuzi in Parliament. That’s what he said ahead of the 2006 elections. People should remember that and that’s someone he looked up too.

He has gone from being a total independent local councillor and now a NUP MP. A NUP MP who now goes for a ceremonial leadership role as Lord Mayor. He has more influence and more sway as an MP compared to the legalities and formalities of the role of Lord Mayor. Therefore, his downgrading and demoting himself initially doing so.

He must strand strong and face not only the state machinery in this campaign. The engineer also must compete with incumbent Lukwago. That isn’t an easy challenge. Just like wasn’t easy for him beat Fred Ruhindi back in the day. This is what he has to, and we can wonder how this will play out.

Yes, the NUP is the biggest opposition party and has vast support in Kampala. We can still wonder what sort of following Lukwago has after over a decade in office. That’s why this is still a battle until the polls are closed. The engineer must show resolve and care. Not only simple politicking and taking it easy. Because he must show his face and be resolute on his ideals. As he will Lukwago heads on.

None of us knows how the 2026 elections will play out. Nevertheless, there is a need for ease and reassurance. Also, the totality of everything, as the NUP is the biggest challenger for Lukwago. They now have a candidate with pedigree and with finesse. Not just a random bloke, but someone with history and who has proven himself in elected offices. That’s what the party has proven here and that will be a challenge for Lukwago.

The Lord Mayor of Kampala will be won by the opposition. It is just a matter if it NUP gets it or Lukwago retains it for the fourth time. Peace.

Lord Mayor Lukwago: The True Master of Ceremonies

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.

The KCCA is the way it is because of Mr. President…

“President Museveni has dismissed KCCA officials Dorothy Kisaka, Eng. David Luyimbazi, and Dr. Daniel Okello following an IGG report on the Kiteezi Landfill disaster that caused over 50 deaths” (UBC Uganda, 24.09.2024).

“To ensure a swift transition in leadership, the President has directed the Public Service Commission to advertise the positions of Executive Director, Deputy Executive Director, and Director of Public Health, with a goal of appointing new officials within three months. Additionally, the Minister for Kampala is tasked with advising the President on interim appointments for these crucial positions to ensure that operations within KCCA continue without disruption until permanent replacements are in place. The President remains committed to upholding accountability and maintaining the highest standards of governance for the benefit of all citizens” (President Dismisses KCCA Officials Following IGG Report on Kiteezi Landfill Disaster, 24.09.2024).

We can act like this is a default setting, but the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) and the KCCA Act is all made to shift the power-dynamics of the political space within the local government of Kampala. The KCCA was made to conquer and to control the elected officials of the city. That’s why the Executive Director and the Presidential Appointments have had more mandate or power than the elected ones.

This is why the Kiteezi landfill disaster is evident of a faulty structure. A structure with duplications, lack of monetary funds and without a proper steering mechanism. That even after several of technical leaders, technocrats and cronies are on the case. This is the issue with Kampala.

This isn’t the issue of the ceremonial leader of Lord Mayor or Deputy Lord Mayor. Not even the Division Mayors or Ward Councillors. No, these are just mere spectators to the magnitude of issues that is within the appointed officials of the KCCA. This is a prolonged process and stagnation, which is because of the wait for acknowledgement and the protocols between the appointed leaders. That’s why there is a lack of will and way…

The KCCA is bound to fail, and this puts all eyes on Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago. Even with the fall of the Executive Director, the Deputy Executive Director and others. They are all part of it, but the ones with the mandate and with power is the ED. The ED is the one that has the most opportunities and can connect itself to the Minister of Kampala. That’s where they can send messages and memos to the President. So, that things can be fixed, and the President can do his micro-management.

The KCCA was created because the President knew he didn’t have the popularity or the ability to get NRM councillors or elected officials ahead of the local government in the capital. That’s why he created it and no matter who the NRM has fielded. It hasn’t amounted to anything. This is why he had to create an entity over the City Hall to takeover without needing the ballots or the popular vote.

People must learn this that it all stems from the President. This is the President that took over and took power from City Hall. He decided that his appointees got the mandate and made the elected official mere shadow or ceremonial. Therefore, all the problems of KCCA and the leadership there is made problematic by the President. His will and his whims create this quagmire. That’s it. Peace.

Opinion: Kampala and the KCCA is Museveni’s domain…

“You ‘Kampalanians’ might not know all this because you are here in Kampala with your NGOs” – President Yoweri Kaguta Musveni (12.012.2015).

We know the outcry and the reasons of the lack of good governance in Kampala. It is self-serving and a created structure to benefit the President. The President knows that he cannot get the majority or have his party in the elected offices of the capital. That’s why he has chosen to build structures above the elected officials.

This happens to be the Ministry of Kampala, the Presidential Advisor to Kampala and the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA). The KCCA is created to ensure the Lord Mayor and others are ceremonial leaders with no real say and no real power. They are just mere galleon figures and there for the charade of “democracy”.

While the KCCA and the Ministry is there to govern. The KCCA and the appointed Council are there to overturn and control the elected leaders. If they are division councillors or division mayors. They are all bound by the governing principles of the KCCA. These aren’t independent and the one who has the power is the ones leading the KCCA.

The Lord Mayor can only show up and be visible, but the one with all power and has the real mandate is the Executive Director of the KCCA. The Deputy as well, has more say than the Lord Mayor. That’s because the appointed leadership means more than the elected ones.

That’s why everything wrong with the KCCA comes from the President. It is the authority created by the President and for the President. This is to ensure his loyal subordinates works there and further his interests on his behalf. They are there to serve Museveni and not the Citizens of Kampala. That’s why they have a job and a title. It is to serve the President and his will.

This is why the KCCA Act was created in 2010 and later amended too. It has been done to secure the President and whatever whims he has. President Museveni is in-charge and make the final decisions. He directs the Executive Director and whoever he has appointed within the KCCA. They are all awaiting the letter or decree to do so. Therefore, if the KCCA doesn’t act or doesn’t appear visible. It is all on the mercy of the President.

So, when something isn’t adding up in the capital. Know that the High Above is behind it all. It is his men and his appointees that are in-charge. They awaiting directives and the final word before acting. The KCCA is a authority and an instrument to undermine the will of the people. It is a way of taking away the power of the ballot and of the citizens as a whole. This overbuilding and institution is there to overshadow and break the will of the people. That’s why its there, because they dare to vote for the Opposition and for the likes of a Erias Lukwago.

That’s why the President appoints the Executive Directors and other members of the KCCA. That’s why he appoints a Minister and a Presidential Advisor. It is all for a reason and that’s to secure his will and his say. Not for the betterment of the capital or the city. No, this is done for selfish reasons and for one man only. The sole reason for the demise of people and lack of good governance. Just so Museveni can have control and micro-manage the Capital as he deems fit. Peace.

Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago letter to Managing Director of Next Media Group: Protest Against Unprofessional Conduct of the NBS TV Management (12.12.2023)

Opinion: Kasumba is putting the cart before the horse in regards to Lord Mayor Lukwago…

“I am yet to see what the Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago has done to improve Kampala given all the time he has had. I am not saying it is not there. It may be, but someone needs to educate me on what that is, whatever it is. I have even held this conversation with him asking him to dedicate some of his time to the finding and doing of something in Kampala from which it shall be recalled in 200 years later that that was the handiwork of Erias Lukwago as Lord Major” (Samson Kasumba – ‘OPINION: But what has Erias Lukwago really done for Kampala?’ 10.11.2023).

A politicians should be scrutinied and questioned. It is nice to see a text like this NilePost, but they are most about the opposition or opposition leaders. There isn’t the same due diligence or concern about the Ministers or the high ranking officials of the National Resistance Movement (NRM). You could wonder why, right?

However, we already know why, but let me digress. The article’s premiss is flawed, because it gives the apparent idea that the Lord Mayor has power and ability in his office. As if the Lord Mayor of Kampala can make a difference and change. The article acts like Lukwago is a powerful governor or Prince of the City, but his just a figure-head and publicist for the city at this point. That’s by default, by law and by design. It is as if the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) wasn’t made for a purpose and the appointment of a Minister of Kampala didn’t have an effect. An effect that has shielded and made it nearly impossible for the Lord Mayor to succeed or even get wiggle-room in his office. Secondly, speaking of time. In the last term he was impeached unjustifiably so and later had to return. Thirdly, the Lord Mayor has been arrested and house-arrested plenty of times too. That also take away the ability to achieve anything.

Nevertheless, let us go to the basics for a minute…

“11. Functions of Lord Mayor.

(1) The functions of the Lord Mayor are to—

(a) be the political head of the Capital City;

(b) preside over all meetings of the Authority;

(c) perform ceremonial functions and civic functions;

(d) host foreign and local dignitaries;

(e) head the Authority in developing strategies and programmes for the development of the Capital City;

(f) monitor the administration of the Capital City;

(g) provide guidance to the division administrations; and

(h) represent the Capital City on the Metropolitan Authority.

(2) The Lord Mayor shall in the performance of his or her functions, be answerable to the Authority and the Minister.

(3) The Deputy Lord Mayor shall assist the Lord Mayor in the performance of his or her functions and shall otherwise deputise for the Lord Mayor in his or her absence” (KCCA Act, 2010).

When you read these things. It doesn’t make the Lord Mayor powerful or prestigious does it? Well, in my regards, it make him a glorified councillor, but not a man with a mandate to make a difference. That is more for the appointed leadership within the KCCA and especially the KCCA Executive Director,

Just read this one here:

“19. Functions of executive director.

The functions of the executive director shall include the following—

(a) to be the head of the public service in the Authority and to head the administration of the Authority, including divisions and wards;

(b) to be the accounting officer of the Authority;

(c) to be responsible for the management of all public funds of the Authority and accountable to Parliament;

(d) be responsible for coordination and implementation of national and council policies, laws, regulations, byelaws, programmes and projects;

(e) advise the mayor and Authority on Government policy;

(f) present the annual budget to the Authority;

(g) advise the Authority on technical, administrative and legal matters pertaining to the management of the Authority;

(h) implement lawful decisions taken by the Authority;

(i) oversee the delivery of quality services to the population within the Capital City and take remedial action where service delivery standards are below the expected minimum standards;

(j) ensure proper physical planning and development control in the urban councils;

(k) monitor and coordinate the activities of the directorates of the Authority and of the lower Authority;

(l) be the custodian of all the assets and records of the Authority;

(m) attend meetings of the metropolitan Authority;

(n) supervise and evaluate staff performance;

(o) liaise with the central Government and other institutions on behalf of the Authority;

(p) conduct the public relations of the Authority;

(q) promote trade order;

(r) mobilise the urban community for development and sustainability of infrastructure and services;

(s) be responsible for the enforcement of ordinances and byelaws made by the Authority and its lower council units;

(t) be responsible to the Authority, subject to the general directions of the Minister;

(u) on day-to-day operations, be responsible to the Authority; and

(v) make reports to the council and the Minister on the state of affairs of the Capital City at least once a year or as the Minister or the Authority may determine;

to perform any other duties assigned by the Authority or the Minister” (KCCA Act, 2010).

This here sounds like the person should address and the ones with real power. That’s the intension of the creation of the KCCA to clip the wings of the Lord Mayor and it has done so too. That’s why the most prominent leader in the hierarchy of Kampala is sort of the Executive Director of the KCCA. Just read the functions of the Executive versus the Mayor and you get the gist.

That’s why it’s rich to read a paragraph like this in the article…

“Erias Lukwago run for that office to serve us residents of the capital. If you knew that it is near impossible to deliver services under this NRM government, why did you run for an office from which we expect services? There seems to be a line of dishonesty here. I am not sure that the primary task of a Lord Major is to effect change of Government. His job is to deliver services to the city dwellers. Has he done that? If he has not, must we not bring him to task? If and when we don’t bring him to task. then have we taken our citizen responsibility seriously?” (Kasumba, 10.11. 2023).

The KCCA Act didn’t eradicate or take away the role or office of Lord Mayor, but it did take away it’s mandate and partly its reason for existing. It is a duplication and done so because the NRM cannot get their flag-bearers to win an election. They know this and the President too. That’s why they have made this law and amended it too. Just to ensure that the NRM get to have oversight and have some sort of control of the city. Even if the City elects the opposition and leaders in defiance of the NRM.

Yes, Lukwago should be able to bring services to the people, but in this case. The calls should be at the Executive Director and her “council” or “authority”, as they are bearing the blunt of the mandate and the Lord Mayor is there for the festivities.

So please, get a grip and until laws are either amended or removed. Until that happens and the law is still active. That sets the boundaries, the mandate and options, which the Lord Mayor has in his office. Therefore, let us adjourn and get some chai, aye? Peace.

Opinion: Lukwago is ceremonial, blame others for the chaos of Kampala please…

“The Bill shifts power from Lord Mayor’s office to an executive director who will be appointed by the President. This means Kampala’s next mayor will be a ceremonial figurehead and the person actually wielding power will be the executive director” (Martin Olupot – ‘Kampala gets executive director’ 14.03.2011, New Vision).

In 2023, Erias Lukwago is on his third term as Lord Mayor of Kampala. The potholes and other issues aren’t getting any better. The exhibitions of government works isn’t doing the Lord Mayor any wonders. However, his not the one to blame for all of this and certainly there are other factors at play.

The whole KCCA act was made as a blunt instrument to take away power from the elected officials of the City. While it did make the former Town Clerk more powerful and ensured a Council of Technocrats. It certainly haven’t developed the city or made significant progress.

The Executive Director of the KCCA was supposed to take charge. The ED was the head and the Lord Mayor was a Master of Ceremonies. That’s how the President wanted it and he appointed Minister(s) to have an oversight of the Executive Director too. Just to add more weight and pressure on the Lord Mayor.

If you think the three terms of Lukwago has been easy. You are terribly wrong. The whole game has been rigged against him. Not only has he been house-arrested and impeached. No, the Executive Director has gone after him and the Minister of Kampala too. They have all turned on him and made temporarily loose everything. When that happens to someone… you know there was other outside actors put into play. That doesn’t happen by a coincidence. No, that happens because someone wants it to happen.

Lukwago’s steady victories and local councillors being represented by the opposition has caused issues for the President. He don’t want the Opposition to have power or influence. That’s why he created the KCCA. It is made in writing for a better structure and better governance, but the reality it is a play for Museveni to get his whims implemented. That’s all he wants and he fears an opposition Lord Mayor will destroy just that.

There is easy reasons to pin Lukwago or the Opposition Councillors or heck the Division Mayors. However, the technocrats and the appointed leadership at the helm of the KCCA are the ones who you should look closely at. The ones that are bestowed and anointed to be there by the President. These are the ones that has the power and the abilities. They are the ones who can and decide the final decisions. The same people are monitored and followed up another appointee of the President, the Minister or State Minister of Kampala. They are all there to ensure the government vision and policies are implemented on the behalf of the President. Therefore, looking at the Lord Mayor or Deputy Lord Mayor in this instance is futile. Unless, you want to blame Vice President Ssekandi for all the ills of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) in the recent years… you wouldn’t, would you? No, you know he visited burials and ceremonies, but had no power. The same can be said about Lukwago and Nyanjura too.

I have no trouble to have a debate, discuss or even pound on things. However, the KCCA Act and the implementation of it. Makes it clear and obvious where to look. Yes, Lukwago is an easy scapegoat and what Museveni would like you to believe to be at fault. He wants him blamed and get Ragga Dee or another pawn in his stead. That’s what he really wants and he hates that the Opposition has such support in Kampala. It is why he does what he can to undermine and ensure the city lacks proper function or even a workable solution to deliver anything substantial. We can all see that he has sufficiently achieved that over the years. It is evident that was something he wanted to achieve and he got the results he wanted. We can all see it and its depressing. Peace.