Outgoing Kampala City Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago has formally accepted the results of the 2026 Kampala City Lord Mayorship polls, conceding defeat to Ronald Balimwezo Nsubuga of the National Unity Platform (NUP).
Lukwago, a lawyer and veteran opposition politician, first became Lord Mayor in January 2011 and has served the city for over 15 years across multiple terms.
The official results as declared by the Electoral Commission show that
Ronald Balimwezo (NUP) won after garnering 141,220 votes followed by
Moses Kizito Nsubuga (NRM) with 43,615 votes. Erias Lukwago (PFF) came third after polling 41,915 votes.
In a statement, Lukwago thanked the people of Kampala for their support and reflected on his tenure.
“I owe a great debt of gratitude to the People of Kampala who accorded me a golden opportunity and platform to offer steadfast leadership that has had tremendous impact on the transformation journey of our beloved City and touched many lives, especially the urban poor and the indigents.”
He also highlighted the principles that guided his leadership saying, “I will sign out of the Lord Mayor’s Parlour with a great sense of pride … having offered an indisputably immaculate city stewardship defined by proven track record of impeccable integrity, clarity of purpose, grit, resilience and an indomitable spirit faithful to the mandate, will and aspirations of the people.”
Lukwago recounted the achievements of his administration which include delivering accountable leadership in response to city demands, protecting urban poor and indigents, offering genuine and sustainable policy guidance over quick fixes and defending the city’s assets and heritage from threats
“Going forward, my energy and resources will remain focused on the protracted struggle for social justice, rule of law and a non-violent transition from a family and gun rule to a Constitutional and political order that guarantees the sovereignty of the People,” he said.
Lukwago explained that by pledging to treasure the bond he shares with Kampala residents and wishing the new administration well.
“I will eternally treasure the strong social bond, trust and love that I have shared with the People of Kampala and beyond over the years, and I wish the best of luck to the newly constituted leadership.”