Veteran Kampala politician Erias Lukwago has conceded defeat in the 2026 Lord Mayor elections, bringing to a close his long-running leadership of the capital that spanned 15 years.
Speaking from his home in Rubaga shortly after the Electoral Commission released final results, Lukwago said he had chosen to accept the verdict of the ballot despite what he described as shortcomings in the wider 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.
The outgoing mayor described his departure from City Hall as a dignified exit, insisting he leaves office with pride and a clear conscience. He thanked Kampala residents for entrusting him with leadership for more than a decade, saying the position had given him a rare chance to speak for ordinary city dwellers, 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,” he stated.
Lukwago said his time in office would be remembered for standing firm against political pressure and defending public interest in difficult circumstances. He pointed to his role in protecting city assets, resisting corruption, and promoting accountability as some of the defining features of his tenure.
He also noted that throughout his years in leadership, he avoided personal vendettas and would leave office without any corruption allegations attached to his name, despite what he called sustained political hostility.
Looking ahead, Lukwago said his political journey was far from over, pledging to remain active in national affairs and continue pushing for democratic reforms.
“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.
According to the Electoral Commission, National Unity Platform’s Ronald Balimwezo won the race with 141,220 votes, followed by NRM’s Moses Kizito Nsubuga with 43,615 votes. Lukwago finished third with 41,915 votes.
Lukwago is expected to officially hand over office in May, marking the end of one of the longest and most eventful mayoral tenures in Kampala’s history.
