If you’ve been paying attention to politics in Kampala, you’ve probably heard the name Balimwezo Ronald Nsubuga. He’s not just another politician in a suit—he’s an engineer, a grassroots leader, and someone who’s been in the trenches of Nakawa Division for nearly two decades.
So, who exactly is he, and why should you care? Let’s break it down.
From Nakawa to Parliament—A Story Rooted in Community
Balimwezo was born and raised in Nakawa Division, right in the heart of Kampala. His parents—James and Elizabeth Balimwezo—raised him in this vibrant but often overlooked part of the city. Like many of us, he went through the usual school hustle, attending Nakawa Primary and Nakawa Secondary School.
But he didn’t stop there.
He went on to Makerere University, where he got a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering in 1999. Two years later, he had a master’s under his belt. That’s not small feat.
Politics with a Purpose
Balimwezo Ronald Nsubuga stepped into politics in 2006 as a councillor for Nakawa Division. After five years, he ran for mayor—and won. Not once, but twice. He held that office for a solid ten years.
Then, in 2021, he leveled up again—this time becoming the Member of Parliament for Nakawa East under the National Unity Platform (NUP) party, led by Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (aka Bobi Wine).
But Balimwezo isn’t just about titles. He’s made it clear:
“I believe real change happens when leaders work with the people, not just for the people.”
Changing the Face of Kampala’s Roads
As of May 2023, Balimwezo was unanimously elected to chair the Kampala City Roads Committee. This isn’t a flashy job—it’s real work. His job? Oversee how Kampala’s roads are maintained and how the funds are spent. Roads might not be glamorous, but they’re crucial for daily life in the city, and he’s committed to making them better.
He’s Not Just a Politician—He’s a Builder, a Teacher, and a Mentor
Before politics, Balimwezo taught at Kyambogo University, managed big building projects, and trained engineers and technicians. He knows the value of skills and mentorship.
He also started the Balimwezo Community Foundation, a grassroots group that focuses on supporting poor and underserved communities in Nakawa.
Awards, Recognition, and a Few Bumps Along the Way
He’s been recognized both locally and internationally. In 2015, he was named “Best Mayor” by the Uganda Local Government Association. In 2022, he became a Ugandan ambassador for the environment. He’s even been chosen by the US government to take part in a leadership program for rising African leaders.
Of course, like any public figure, he’s had his share of controversy. From allegations of misused funds to land disputes and electoral complaints—he’s had to defend his name a few times. But so far, none of it has stuck.
Balimwezo wins Kampala Lord Mayor race
Ronald Nsubuga Balimwezo’s victory in Kampala’s January 2026 mayoral election was not just clear — it was emphatic. By the time ballots were tallied, the result had settled a long-running political chapter in Uganda’s capital.
Balimwezo, running on the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) ticket, won 141,220 votes, about 76.4 percent of those cast. It was a landslide that pushed aside a crowded field and brought an end to Erias Lukwago’s 15-year tenure as Lord Mayor.
Moses Kizito Nsubuga of the ruling National Resistance Movement finished a distant second with 43,615 votes. Lukwago, contesting under the People’s Front for Freedom, placed third with 41,915. Other candidates included Beatrice Mao of the Democratic Party and Ibrahim Biribwa Sozi of the Forum for Democratic Change.
For Kampala, the result felt less like a routine local election and more like a turning point. Lukwago had been a constant presence at City Hall since 2011 — outspoken, combative and often at odds with the central government. His time in office was defined by legal battles, political standoffs and an unresolved question about how much power the city’s elected leaders actually wield.
Balimwezo arrives with a different profile. A civil engineer by training and a former member of parliament for Nakawa East, he campaigned as a problem-solver, promising a more cooperative style of leadership and a focus on day-to-day urban management. He spoke often about teamwork at City Hall and about moving beyond political theatrics to address basic services.
Those issues resonate strongly with city residents. Kampala continues to struggle with uncollected garbage, worsening traffic, aging infrastructure and concerns about crime. For many voters, the election appeared to be a referendum on whether the city needed a new approach — and new energy — to confront those problems.
The scale of Balimwezo’s win also highlights NUP’s growing grip on urban politics in Uganda. While the party is still relatively young, it has steadily consolidated support in cities, where dissatisfaction with service delivery and governance runs high.
Still, the mandate comes with limits. Kampala’s lord mayor operates within a system where much authority rests with central government agencies, a reality that frustrated Balimwezo’s predecessor. Whether he can translate electoral momentum into tangible change will depend on how effectively he navigates those constraints.
For now, the message from voters is unmistakable. Kampala wanted change, and it voted overwhelmingly for it. What matters next is whether that choice brings visible improvements to a city that has waited a long time for them.
So what’s next for Balimwezo?
Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure: Balimwezo isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. He’s grounded in his community, driven by service, and not afraid to roll up his sleeves.
Whether you agree with his politics or not, you can’t deny the impact he’s had in Nakawa—and possibly beyond.
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