Kampala — A few hours after the Returning officer for Kampala has declared Engineer Ronald Balinwezo Nsubuga as the new City Lord Mayor, the Outgoing Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago has officially accepted the outcome of the 2026 Kampala City Lord Mayorship elections, bringing to a close a defining chapter of his long and turbulent stewardship of the capital.
In a farewell statement issued on Saturday at his home in Wakaliga, Kampala district, Lukwago acknowledged that the 2026 electoral process, like the broader General Elections, was marred by flaws, but emphasized that he had chosen the path of peace and constitutionalism in accepting the results.
The veteran city leader expressed deep gratitude to the people of Kampala for entrusting him with leadership over the years, noting that the mandate gave him a rare opportunity to serve the city with purpose, courage, and integrity—particularly in defense of the urban poor and vulnerable communities.
Lukwago said he leaves the Lord Mayor’s Parlour with a strong sense of pride, citing what he described as an “immaculate city stewardship” anchored in integrity, impartial leadership, resilience, and unwavering fidelity to the will of the electorate.
“I thank God that I neither betrayed the cause nor breached the trust of the people who gave me their sacred mandate,” Lukwago stated, adding that divine guidance had been central to his political calling.
Reflecting on his tenure, Lukwago portrayed himself as a leader who stood firm in moments of adversity, resisted pressure from powerful interests, and defended the city’s assets and heritage against what he termed “marauding cartels and mafias.” He said history would remember his leadership as one that chose accountability over convenience and principle over expediency in a country often challenged by political indecency.
The outgoing Lord Mayor highlighted key moments of his leadership, including advocating for accountable governance, standing with the urban poor, advancing sustainable city transformation policies, and refusing to capitulate to “nefarious interests” even under intense political pressure.
Lukwago also paid tribute to the strong bond he has shared with the people of Kampala, saying the trust and love extended to him over the years would remain an eternal treasure.
He wished the newly constituted city leadership success and reaffirmed his continued commitment to the struggle for social justice, the rule of law, and a non-violent transition to a constitutional order that guarantees the sovereignty of the people.
