Ronald Balimwezo Nsubuga of the National Unity Platform (NUP) has been elected the new Kampala Lord Mayor, ending Erias Lukwago’s long hold on City Hall with a landslide win.
The result was announced just before midnight by Kampala District Returning Officer Jennifer Kyobutungi at the tally centre at Makerere University Business School in Nakawa, after a tense and lengthy counting process that kept the city and the rest of the country on edge.
Official figures show that Balimwezo polled 141,220 votes out of 232,500 valid ballots cast, giving him a dominant 76.4 per cent of the vote. His nearest rival, Kizito Moses Nsubuga of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), finished a distant second with 43,615 votes, representing 18.8 per cent. The margin between the two stood at a massive 97,605 votes.
Although voter turnout was lower than in the recent presidential and parliamentary elections, Balimwezo performed strongly across all five divisions of Kampala, firmly securing his victory. Incumbent Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, now leader of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), came third with 41,915 votes.
Other candidates trailed far behind. Beatrice Mao of the Democratic Party (DP) received 2,162 votes, independent candidate Naggayi Nabillah Ssempala got 1,854 votes, Ibrahim Kasozi polled 1,427, Kibalama Eddie Bazira managed 188 votes, while Jonathan Yamureebire garnered 119 votes.
Lukwago first became Lord Mayor in 2011 after defeating Peter Ssematimba and went on to dominate city politics for 15 years. His time in office was characterised by frequent confrontations with the central government and prolonged political struggles.
Balimwezo, however, enters City Hall with extensive experience in local governance. His political career dates back to the 1980s when he served at Local Council One in Nakawa Division. He later became Nakawa Division Mayor and, in 2021, was elected Member of Parliament for Nakawa East. His election now marks a return to City Hall, this time as Lord Mayor.
Addressing supporters after being declared winner, Balimwezo thanked God for the victory and expressed gratitude to the NUP leadership, singling out party president Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu for trusting him with the ticket. He promised to focus on transforming Kampala into a modern, inclusive and efficiently run city that works for all residents.
