Kampala, Uganda: The National Unity Platform (NUP)’s Candidate for Kampala Lord Mayor Race, Engineer Ronald Balimwezo Nsubuga, has emerged as the frontrunner ahead of incumbent Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago in new online opinion polls, signaling a potential shakeup in the city’s political leadership ahead of the 2026 general elections.
According to an informal Capital FM Uganda poll on X (formerly Twitter), viewed over 153,000 times, titled: “If the mayoral elections were held today, who would get your vote?” The responses overwhelmingly favored Balimwezo, with about 70% support, citing his grassroots projects such as free garbage collection in Mbuya and legal aid for evictees. Lukwago, who has held the seat since 2011, secured only 30%.
User-driven polls reinforced the trend. One survey by @RayBidz, with 1,822 votes, gave Balimwezo 78% against Lukwago’s 22%, while another smaller poll reflected similar margins at 79% to 21%.
Respondents praised Balimwezo’s practical service delivery, with one noting: “Hon. Balimwezo’s truck has been collecting garbage from my place free of charge.” In contrast, while Lukwago was recognized for championing the oppressed, many users called for new leadership after 14 years in office.
Lord Mayor Lukwago, who launched the bid to defend his seat this week under the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), has promised infrastructure upgrades and refugee integration but continues to face criticism over Kampala’s flooding, traffic congestion, and waste management challenges.
For Eng Balimwezo, who is currently Nakawa East MP, he brings engineering expertise and past recognition, having been awarded “Best Mayor” in 2015 by the Uganda Local Government Association during his previous term as Nakawa Division mayor.
His 2026 campaign emphasizes urban skilling hubs and sustainable city development.
With the ruling NRM backing Moses Kizito Nsubuga, analysts warn that a split opposition vote could complicate the race. However, the early poll sentiment indicates that voter fatigue with incumbents could tilt momentum toward Balimwezo.
As one X user quipped: “How do we expect Museveni’s government to change when Lukwago wants to rule for 20 years?”
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