Kampala City Lord Mayor a Mr Erias Lukwago, conceded defeat to Mr Ronald Balimwezo of the National Unity Platform (NUP) in the Thursday polls ,
In a statement released on Saturday, Mr Lukwago, has served in the position since 2011 when the law was changed from KCC to create Kampala Capital City Authority , expressed gratitude to the people of Kampala for the opportunity to serve as their leader for 15 years citing his impact on integrity, accountability, and serving the city’s urban poor and indigents.
“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,” he said in a statement
“I will sign out of the Lord Mayor’s Parlour with a great sense of pride and elation having offered an indisputably immaculate city stewardship,” Lukwago added.
He highlighted his achievements, including providing principled leadership, addressing the needs of the urban poor, and protecting the city’s assets from cartels and mafias.
“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,” Mr Lukwago signed out, promising to; “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 or dispensation that guarantees the sovereignty of the people.”
Lukwago’s 15-year tenure as Lord Mayor has been marked by persistent advocacy for decentralised governance and clashes with central government authorities.
Balimwezo, who secured 141,220 votes, has been declared the winner, beating Lukwago’s 41,915 votes.
Other contenders included Moses Kizito Nsubuga of the ruling NRM party, who finished second with 43,615 votes.
Balimwezo, a trained civil engineer, has pledged to make Kampala great and sought the wise counsel of Lukwago, describing him as a “great pillar in the city”.
“I will knock on your doors because you are experienced and you have done a lot for this city. I also thank you for the great service you have offered to this city,” he said.
He thanked his party and the people of Kampala for their support, paying tribute to NUP president Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (Bobi Wine) for backing his candidature.
“I particularly thank our president Bobi Wine for believing in me and giving me a chance to represent the National Unity Platform,” he said.