Off The City Bread: ‘Tactical’ Balimwezo Kicks Out ‘Verbal’ Lukwago In Kampala Mayor Race

Ronald Balimwezo Nsubuga of the National Unity Platform (NUP) has been declared the new Lord Mayor of Kampala after securing a decisive victory in one of the most closely watched local government contests of the 2026 general elections.

Balimwezo was declared winner shortly before midnight by the Kampala District Returning Officer, Jennifer Kyobutungi, at the district tally centre at Makerere University Business School (MUBS) in Nakawa. The declaration followed a prolonged tallying process that stretched late into the night, keeping residents of the capital and observers across the country in suspense.

According to official results released by the Electoral Commission, Balimwezo garnered 141,220 votes out of 232,500 valid votes cast, representing 76.4 per cent of the total. He defeated eight other candidates by a wide margin of 97,605 votes. His closest challenger, National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidate Kizito Moses Nsubuga, polled 43,615 votes (18.8 per cent).

Veteran politician Erias Lukwago of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) finished third with 41,915 votes, bringing to an end his 15-year tenure as Kampala’s Lord Mayor. Lukwago first assumed office in 2011 after defeating Peter Ssematimba and went on to become one of the city’s most prominent and combative political figures, often clashing with the central government over the governance of the capital.

Other candidates trailed far behind, with Democratic Party’s Beatrice Mao polling 2,162 votes, independent candidate Naggayi Nabillah Ssempala securing 1,854 votes, Ibrahim Kasozi obtaining 1,427 votes, Eddie Bazira Kibalama (independent) receiving 188 votes, and Jonathan Yamureebire (independent) polling 119 votes.

Although voter turnout was notably lower than that recorded in the recent presidential and parliamentary elections, Balimwezo posted commanding numbers across all five divisions of Kampala, underlining NUP’s continued dominance in the capital’s urban politics.

Balimwezo brings decades of experience in local government to City Hall. His political career dates back to the 1980s, when he served at Local Council One level in Nakawa Division. He later became Mayor of Nakawa Division before winning the Nakawa East parliamentary seat in 2021. His election now marks a return to City Hall in the city’s top political office.

In his victory speech, Balimwezo attributed his win to divine intervention and the support of Kampala residents. He thanked the NUP leadership, particularly party president Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, for the trust placed in him and pledged to work toward transforming Kampala into a modern, inclusive and well-managed city.

“I thank the people of Kampala for the confidence they have placed in me,” Balimwezo said. “I also thank my party for standing with me throughout this journey. I will serve this city with humility, unity and dedication.”

He also paid tribute to his predecessor, striking a conciliatory tone as he prepares to take office. “Erias Lukwago has served this city for many years. I will seek his guidance because of his experience and the contribution he has made to Kampala,” he said.

Balimwezo was accompanied by his wife, the Leader of the Opposition, and several senior NUP leaders as he was officially declared Lord Mayor.