Lukwago Abandons Presidential Ambition, To Seek Re-election as Kampala Lord Mayor
KAMPALA – In a significant political development that is causing realignments across the opposition, Kampala City Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago has abruptly abandoned his plans to contest for the presidency in the 2026 general elections.
According to exclusive reports from Ritah Kaggwa Blog, the influential lawyer and politician has instead decided to focus on retaining his current position. It is understood that Lukwago is set to officially pick nomination forms for the Kampala City Lord Mayor race as early as next week.
This decision has sent shockwaves through opposition circles, particularly the National Unity Platform (NUP), where many had believed Lukwago would step in to fill the void left by the jailed opposition stalwart, Dr. Kizza Besigye, and present a formidable challenge to President Yoweri Museveni.
Sources indicate that Lukwago’s change of heart came after a sobering realization that challenging the long-reigning Gen. Museveni is “not a walkover as many think,” acknowledging the immense logistical and political hurdles involved in a national campaign.
The move has triggered immediate political ramifications. In Kampala, the camp of former MP Nasser Balimwezo, who was eyeing the Lord Mayor seat, has been thrown into panic. Their strategy was reportedly predicated on Lukwago exiting the local race for the national stage, a scenario that has now collapsed.
On the national front, Lukwago’s withdrawal is a major boost for the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) party. With Lukwago out of the presidential contest, the party is now expected to formally rally behind its founder, Gen. (Rtd) Mugisha Muntu, who has already confirmed his intention to challenge his former boss, President Museveni, for a second consecutive time.
This decision by Lukwago consolidates the opposition’s focus, setting the stage for a heated battle for Kampala’s city hall and a presidential race that will likely see Gen. Muntu emerge as a primary flagbearer for a significant opposition bloc.
