After 15 years as Kampala’s Lord Mayor, Erias Lukwago says he is now turning his focus back to legal practice, human rights advocacy and political organising following his defeat in the 2026 mayoral election.
Lukwago, 55, lost the race to National Unity Platform’s Ronald Balimwezo and finished third on the People’s Front for Freedom ticket with about 41,900 votes.
Speaking during a radio talk show, Lukwago said leaving City Hall marks the beginning of a new phase rather than the end of his public life.
“Kampala was only one chapter in my struggle for justice,” he said. “I am now returning to the legal battlefield where I belong.”
The veteran lawyer noted that his work at the bar had taken a back seat while he served as Lord Mayor and earlier as a Member of Parliament representing the people of Kampala Central. He said his law firm had been receiving only about 30 per cent of his time due to political responsibilities.
“With the mayoral duties now behind me, I will give more time to my legal practice while continuing to defend constitutionalism, the rule of law and human rights,” Lukwago said. “I am a grounded lawyer who does not back down.”
He added that he will remain active in politics through the Katonga-based offices of the People’s Front for Freedom, where he plans to focus on mobilisation and advocacy.
“The struggle continues for rule of law, only the platform has changed,” he said.
Lukwago insisted that his next steps will centre on using the courts, public platforms and political organisation to push for accountability and justice.
