The recent city mayoral elections have seen the National Unity Platform (NUP) and the National Resistance Movement (NRM) sharing mayoral positions across Uganda’s cities, according to provisional results.
In a major upset, Ronald Balimwezo of NUP defeated incumbent Erias Lukwago, who has dominated Kampala politics for 15 years. Lukwago, who has been serving as Lord Mayor since 2011, was seeking a fourth term but was ousted by Balimwezo. The victory marks a significant shift in Kampala’s politics and a major win for NUP.
Balimwezo, a vocal critic of the NRM government, has been a rising star in NUP’s ranks. A Nakawa East MP, he has used his platform to push for reforms and good governance. His victory in Kampala is seen as a testament to his growing popularity and NUP’s expanding influence in urban areas.
As the capital and commercial hub, Kampala contributes significantly to Uganda’s GDP and is often at the centre of national politics. The city’s mayoral election outcome is therefore closely watched, and Balimwezo’s win sends a strong signal about the shifting dynamics in Ugandan politics.
With both Lukwago (PFF) and Balimwezo (NUP) being from opposition parties, the capital city effectively remains in opposition hands, marking a continued challenge for NRM’s grip on key urban areas.
In some of the contested races, NUP candidates have so far won mayoral seats in three cities:
– Kampala City: Ronald Balimwezo Nsubuga
– Masaka City: Florence Namayanja
– Jinja City: Mubarak Kirunda
Meanwhile, NRM candidates has so far secured mayoral positions in two cities:
– Mbarara City: Robert Mugabe Kakyebezi
– Arua City: Lawrence Alionzi
Two cities have so far elected independent candidates:
– Fort Portal City: Rev Willy Kintu Muhanga
– Gulu City: Julius Labeja
See full results for Mbarara City, Masaka City and Arua City Here.
The results show a split between NUP and NRM, with independents also making gains in the mayoral races, reflecting a diverse political landscape in Uganda’s urban elections.
The Kampala mayoral race adds to the list of prominent and powerful politicians who have lost elections. (See Details Here and There).
