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Erias Lukwago concedes defeat
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Kampala
Outgoing Kampala Lord Mayor Elias Lukwago has formally accepted defeat in the 2026 Kampala City Lord Mayorship elections, bringing to an end his long and eventful tenure at City Hall.
In a statement released on Friday, Lukwago said that although the electoral process was marred by flaws consistent with challenges observed during the broader 2026 General Elections, he had chosen to accept the final outcome of the mayoral race.
“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.
Lukwago expressed deep gratitude to the people of Kampala for entrusting him with leadership over the years, describing his time in office as an opportunity to serve the city with integrity, resilience, and unwavering commitment—particularly in defence of the urban poor and other vulnerable residents.
He said he was leaving office with pride, citing what he termed an “immaculate stewardship” characterised by integrity, clarity of purpose, perseverance in the face of adversity, and fidelity to the will and aspirations of Kampala residents. “Thy name be glorified that I have neither betrayed the cause nor breached the trust of the electorate,” Lukwago stated, adding that his tenure would be remembered for principled leadership and resistance to corruption and political indecency.
Reflecting on his time as Lord Mayor, Lukwago said he had responded decisively whenever the city demanded accountable leadership, protection of the urban poor, sustainable urban transformation, and resistance to vested interests. He also highlighted his role in defending Kampala’s public assets and heritage from what he described as predatory cartels and mafias.
Lukwago further said he would forever cherish the bond he built with the people of Kampala and wished the incoming city leadership success as they take over the reins of City Hall.
Looking ahead, the veteran opposition politician said he was not retiring from public life. Instead, he pledged to continue focusing his energy and resources on the struggle for social justice, the rule of law, and a non-violent transition to a constitutional and democratic political order.
“My energy and resources will remain focused on the protracted struggle for social justice, rule of law and a non-violent transition from family and gun rule to a constitutional and political dispensation that guarantees the sovereignty of the people,” he said.
Lukwago concluded his statement with a reaffirmation of his long-held political creed: “For God and My Country.” The statement was dated January 24, 2026, marking his official concession and signaling the close of one of the most combative and high-profile mayoral eras in Kampala’s political history.
