As the city holds its breath, the outcome hangs in the balance. Will it be Lukwago’s experience or Balimwezo’s promise of change? The decision rests with Kampala’s voters.
List of Parliamentary Winners From Mukono, Buikwe and Buvuma
Kampala’s mayoral election on Thursday, January 22, 2026, is shaping up to be a fierce contest between Erias Lukwago, the incumbent, and Ronald Balimwezo, the NUP candidate.
The “lawyer” versus the “engineer” – will voters choose experience or change? Lukwago, with 15 years in office, has a strong track record of championing the urban poor, but faces criticism for slow progress on infrastructure.
Balimwezo, an engineer, promises solutions to Kampala’s drainage and flood issues. The outcome is far from certain, with NUP seeking redemption after losing parliamentary seats in Kampala.
The election is seen as a referendum on Lukwago’s legacy and a test of NUP’s resilience. Voters are divided, with some backing Lukwago’s experience and others craving change. “We want a Kampala that works,” says Beatrice Wamala, a nurse. The result could hinge on a handful of votes.
Kampala’s streets are abuzz with campaign fever, as Lukwago and Balimwezo crisscross the city, wooing voters. Lukwago’s campaign focuses on his contributions to the city, from intervening in market management to preserving public assets. His supporters praise his passion for the city, but critics argue his long tenure has bred complacency.
Balimwezo, on the other hand, is banking on his engineering background to fix Kampala’s infrastructure woes. He promises to tackle flooding, improve roads, and enhance service delivery. His campaign is fueled by NUP’s youthful energy and a desire for change.
As the campaigns intensify, allegations are flying thick and fast. Lukwago’s team accuses Balimwezo of being a proxy for the ruling NRM, while Balimwezo’s supporters claim Lukwago is using state resources to clain unfair advantage. The air is thick with tension, as Kampala’s political temperature rises.
In the midst of the chaos, voters are weighing their options. Some, like Abdu Musoke, a 32-year-old boda-boda rider, are looking for a fresh start. “We have seen Lukwago fight for us, but many young people want a new face. Roads are still broken, places flood – we need change,” he says.
Others, like Michael Mutambuze, a 45-year-old trader, are backing Lukwago. “He stood up for us when landlords were increasing rent unfairly. He saved some markets from being grabbed. That matters to me more,” he says.
As the city holds its breath, the outcome hangs in the balance. Will it be Lukwago’s experience or Balimwezo’s promise of change? The decision rests with Kampala’s voters.
The election is not just about the mayor’s seat; it’s about the future of Kampala. NUP needs a win to restore its dominance, while Lukwago’s victory would reaffirm his remarkable political resilience. The stakes are high, and the drama is unfolding.
As voters head to the polls on January 22, one thing is certain – Kampala’s fate is in their hands. Will they opt for continuity or change? The city is watching, and the world is waiting.
In the end, it’s not just about Lukwago or Balimwezo; it’s about Kampala. The city that never sleeps, the city that never stops growing, and the city that will shape Uganda’s future. The battle for Kampala’s soul is on, and the outcome is far from certain.
