The longest-serving Kampala Lord Mayor, Erias Lukwago, has accepted defeat in the Thursday mayoral elections, which saw National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate Ronald Balimwezo Nsubuga emerge victorious and become the new “Omuloodi,” as many popularly refer to the Kampala Lord Mayor.
On his X page, Lukwago expressed gratitude to Kampala residents for giving him the opportunity to lead.
“Just to say thank you and bye bye to the lovely people of Kampala. It’s been an amazing experience sharing this roller coaster journey with you, dear friends. It is Well with my soul,” he wrote.
Speaking from his residence in Rubaga on Saturday, Lukwago said he had accepted the final results despite the flaws he claims marred the electoral process.
“Notwithstanding the flaws that have marred this process as an integral part of the entire 2026 General Elections, I do hereby accept the outcome of the Kampala Lord Mayorship polls,” Lukwago said.
He said he was leaving office with honour, pride and a clean record, noting that his time at City Hall had been guided by service to the people, especially the urban poor.
“I will sign out of the Lord Mayor’s Parlour with a great sense of pride and elation, having offered an indisputably immaculate city leadership,” Lukwago said with pride.
Reflecting on his tenure, Lukwago said history would remember his leadership as one tested by political pressure and adversity, but grounded in resilience and fidelity to the people’s mandate.
He said he consistently resisted what he called political opportunism and instead focused on protecting the city’s assets, defending public interest, and standing against powerful cartels that sought to undermine Kampala’s governance.
Lukwago also emphasised that despite sustained attacks and hostility, he leaves office without any corruption allegations.
Looking to the future, Lukwago said his exit from City Hall does not mark his exit from public life.
“Going forward, my energy and resources will remain focused on the protracted struggle for social justice, rule of law and a constitutional political order that guarantees the sovereignty of the people,” he said.
He pledged to continue advocating for justice for political prisoners, including NUP’s Muwanga Kivumbi.
“I will continue to offer legal support for political prisoners not only for Besigye but also for NUP supporters like Muwanga Kivumbi,”
Lukwago expressed gratitude to Kampala residents for giving him the opportunity to lead, describing the platform as one that allowed him to champion social justice, accountability and the rule of law.
He urged the incoming Lord Mayor to focus on Usafi Market and Kamwokya Market, noting that he is leaving funds for these projects already deposited in the city treasury.
Lukwago is expected to officially hand over office in May, drawing the curtain on one of the longest-serving mayoral tenures in Kampala’s history.
The Electoral Commission announced Ronald Balimwezo as the winner with 141,220 votes, followed by NRM’s Moses Kizito Nsubuga with 43,615 votes. Lukwago came third with 41,915 votes.
