Winning the election is a good-news, bad-news kind of thing. Okay, now you’re the mayor. The bad news is, now you’re the mayor.
– Clint Eastwood
Kampala, a city built on seven storied hills, has been home to visionaries who shaped it from a hunting reserve into a sprawling metropolis.
Let’s take a journey through time, exploring the leaders who have steered the ship since Uganda’s independence in 1962.
1. P. L. Patel (1962-1963): The First Post-Independence Mayor
Kampala’s first mayor after independence, P. L. Patel, came into office at a time when Uganda was finding its footing as a new nation.
Patel, of Indian descent, oversaw a city grappling with rapid population growth. Though his tenure was brief, his leadership marked a pivotal transition from colonial administration to self-governance.
He’s remembered for emphasizing order amidst Kampala’s chaotic early years as a capital city.
2. P. N. Kavuma (1961-1965): The Bridge Builder
Paul Nsubuga Kavuma’s tenure straddled both pre- and post-independence Kampala.
A charismatic figure, Kavuma’s leadership was marked by his ability to unite communities. He focused on improving public health and sanitation – challenges that the burgeoning city desperately needed to address.
He was instrumental in laying the groundwork for Kampala’s modern municipal services.
3. W. Y. Nega (1965-1968): The Quiet Reformer
Not much is widely known about W. Y. Nega, but his impact is undeniable.
Serving during a time of political unrest in Uganda, Nega’s administration worked quietly to maintain stability within Kampala.
His approach was methodical, focusing on infrastructure projects and ensuring that basic city functions continued seamlessly despite the political storms brewing in the country.
4. A. G. Mehta (1968-1969): A Legacy Cut Short
A. G. Mehta’s term as mayor was tragically cut short when he passed away in office.
A businessman-turned-politician, Mehta had begun initiatives aimed at modernizing the city’s financial systems and streamlining its administration.
Though his time was brief, Mehta is remembered for his vision and dedication.
5. E. W. Nakibinge (1969-1971): A Time of Transition
E. W. Nakibinge led Kampala during a tumultuous period in Uganda’s history.
As the country reeled from political shifts, Nakibinge’s role as mayor was both ceremonial and symbolic, representing a city striving to rise above national challenges.
His leadership laid the groundwork for future mayors to take on more active roles in the city’s governance.
6. George Franck Walusimbi Mpanga (1971-1982): Amin’s Mayor
Mpanga’s 11-year tenure remains one of the most remarkable in Kampala’s history.
He steered the city through the turbulent years of Idi Amin’s regime, maintaining a semblance of normalcy. A pragmatic leader, Mpanga focused on urban planning and maintaining basic city services.
His resilience during such a fraught period earned him a lasting legacy as one of Kampala’s stalwart leaders.
7. Fred Semaganda (1982-1986): A Short but Memorable Stint
Fred Semaganda’s term coincided with a challenging time in Uganda, as the country grappled with civil unrest.
Despite the odds, Semaganda made strides in addressing the needs of Kampala’s underserved communities.
His efforts to improve water access and sanitation are remembered fondly.
8. Joseph Wasswa Ziritwawula (1987-1989): The Caretaker Mayor
Ziritwawula’s tenure was marked by a focus on restoring order to a city still reeling from years of conflict.
Known for his down-to-earth approach, he worked closely with local communities to address their concerns.
His emphasis on rebuilding trust between the government and Kampala residents left a lasting impression.
9. Christopher Iga (1989-1997): The Visionary Planner
Under Christopher Iga’s leadership, Kampala began to see more comprehensive urban planning efforts.
He spearheaded initiatives to improve roads and markets, recognizing the need for better infrastructure to support the city’s growing population.
Iga’s tenure was one of laying long-term plans for Kampala’s expansion.
10. Nasser Ntege Sebaggala (1998-1999, 2006-2011): The Controversial Reformer
Seya, as Nasser Sebaggala was fondly known around Kampala, navigated a political career marked by both triumph and controversy.
His first term as Mayor of Kampala ended prematurely due to a court conviction, casting a shadow over his political ambitions. Yet, the charismatic politician staged a remarkable comeback, returning to office years later.
Known for his populist style and focus on improving the lives of ordinary citizens, Sebaggala’s tenure was a period of both progress and division.
Rumors of a romantic relationship with the then-socialite and artiste Desire Luzinda further fueled public intrigue and added a layer of sensationalism to his already colorful political persona.
Despite the controversies, Sebaggala’s legacy as a “people’s mayor” continues to resonate with many in Kampala.
11. John Ssebaana Kizito (1999-2006): The Corporate Mayor
Ssebaana brought a corporate mindset to Kampala’s leadership.
He emphasized public-private partnerships to improve city services, from waste management to infrastructure development.
His business acumen and focus on efficiency made him a respected figure during his tenure.
12. Erias Lukwago (2011-Present): The People’s Advocate
The current Lord Mayor of Kampala, Lukwago’s tenure has been a period of significant political turbulence.
Elected as the first Lord Mayor under the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) structure, his role was largely ceremonial, with executive power vested in the KCCA Executive Director.
This led to a prolonged and often contentious power struggle with Jennifer Musisi, former KCCA Executive Director.
Related: KCCA Director? Mayor? Minister? Who Actually Heads Kampala?
Despite these challenges, Lukwago has remained a vocal advocate for Kampala’s residents, consistently pushing for greater accountability and transparency in city governance.
He has been a vocal critic of KCCA policies he deemed detrimental to the city and its inhabitants, often clashing with both the KCCA administration and the central government.
A prominent figure in the opposition, Lukwago is a staunch critic of the NRM government and a strong supporter of the People Power movement, led by Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine).
His tenure reflects the evolving dynamics of Kampala’s leadership and the ongoing struggle for political influence and accountability within the city.
From Patel to Lukwago, Kampala’s mayors have each left their mark.
They’ve faced challenges ranging from colonial legacies to political upheavals, yet their contributions continue to shape the city’s identity.
As Kampala grows, so too does its history, carried forward by those entrusted with its care.
