Hon. Ronald Balimwezo has shaken up Uganda’s political landscape with a bold Easter Sunday announcement: he will not seek re-election to Parliament in 2026, instead setting his sights on becoming Kampala’s next Lord Mayor.
Speaking during Easter joint prayers held at the Old Kampala prayer grounds, Balimwezo declared his candidacy in front of thousands gathered to mark the end of the Way of the Cross.
Amid reflections on sacrifice and moral responsibility, he used the moment to publicly distance himself from recent corruption scandals in Parliament.
“As a Christian, I want to be true to myself,” Balimwezo told the crowd. “I have not taken the said Shs 100 million. I do not accept money that is not mine, and I do not engage in corruption.”
His remarks referenced a storm brewing over alleged cash handouts of Shs 100 million to MPs—payments that President Museveni later addressed in a letter, noting the funds were allocated under a classified budget intended to serve undefined “national interests.”
But Balimwezo isn’t buying it—and he made that clear.
“I refuse to be labeled a thief when I am not,” he said, in a passionate defense of his integrity.
Known for his outspoken stance on urban planning, public accountability, and service delivery, Balimwezo said his shift from national politics to city leadership is driven by frustration over Parliament’s failure to resolve critical urban challenges.
“I am leaving Parliament to contest for the position of Lord Mayor of Kampala,” he declared. “This way, I can address the real issues—like corruption, which has cost lives due to garbage landslides, unsafe roads, and neglected public services.”
His declaration signals the beginning of a high-stakes campaign for Kampala’s top civic seat, currently held by Erias Lukwago.
With the 2026 elections approaching, Balimwezo is expected to run on a platform of transparency, improved service delivery, and people-first governance.
Observers believe his strong anti-corruption message could resonate with Kampala’s electorate, many of whom are weary of potholes, waste mismanagement, and city-wide inefficiencies.
As the political temperature in the capital rises, one thing is clear: Balimwezo is betting on integrity and urban transformation to carry him to City Hall.
