As Uganda heads to the 2026 polls, Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago has unveiled 15 priorities for the city if granted another five-year term, promising to combat land grabbing, exploitation of the poor, and enhance infrastructure for residents.
Addressing thousands in Kisenyi II on Friday, Lukwago said he would continue defending the rights of communities in markets, schools, housing, and transport, emphasizing support for boda-boda riders, taxi operators, and the health sector.
‘I have rescued several markets from being stolen by selfish individuals like Owino, Bugolobi, Nakawa, Nakasero, Nateete and Rufula. I continue to be your shield,’ he told voters, drawing cheers as he detailed his plan.
Lukwago’s infrastructure pledges include upgrading 325 km of city roads, including Mukwano Road, Kitgum House, and Oasis Mall roundabouts, and signalizing 25 junctions under the Kampala City Roads Rehabilitation Project, Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area Urban Development Program, and related initiatives. He promised strict adherence to KCCA Service Delivery Standards, including defined price ceilings for road construction: Shs3.5 billion per lane-kilometre for arterial roads, Shs2.7 billion for collectors, and Shs1.5 billion for local roads.
‘I will ensure the installation of 25,000 streetlights, including in crime hotspots under the French Development Agency and government projects, and push for integration of lighting in all major road designs,’ he said.
Lukwago also pledged to fast-track decommissioning of the Kiteezi landfill, develop a modern sanitary landfill at Buyala, implement a waste-to-energy policy, and provide one garbage truck per parish. Compensation for victims of the Kiteezi waste slide is included in his agenda.
On opposition unity, Lukwago said activists continue to face arrests, citing NUP deputy spokesperson Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro, Edward Ssebuufu, Achilleo Kivumbi, Sauda Madada, and Tasi Calvin. ‘When we visited Dr Kizza Besigye in prison last week, he advised the opposition to unite against ‘dictator’ President Museveni. We are still in engagement talks to let every position have a dedicated commander,’ Lukwago said.
Key issues affecting Kisenyi community
Medard Turyahikayo, Kisenyi II, decried unemployment, high crime, and poor waste management. ‘We live in slums, but we take years without seeing the garbage trucks; many people litter water channels that end up causing floods and diseases,’ he said. He also criticized public toilets, which are meant to be free, for charging fees that drive residents to dispose of waste in waterways.
PFF councillor Annet Acilah urged women’s vocational empowerment, citing skills in hairdressing, tailoring, and soap-making. Boda-boda rider Stephen Zziwa criticized inflated motorcycle loan prices and extortion on roads. Kiosk owner Scovia Nabwiire called for government support for small businesses facing floods and high taxes.
Lukwago’s seat is contested by NUP’s Ronald Balimwezo, NRM’s Moses Kizito Nsubuga, FDC’s Ibrahim Kasozi, DP’s Beatrice Mao, and independent candidate Nabila Nagayi Ssempala. In 2021, Lukwago won his third term with 194,592 votes against Ssempala’s 60,082 votes.
Other Lukwago Key Priorities
Stewardship of the city transformation caravan to revitalize the functionality of the city governance structure.
Upgrading all eight KCCA health facilities to City Community Hospital status.
Revamping and revitalizing KCCA schools to restore their former academic excellence.
Fast-tracking the decommissioning of the Kiteezi Landfill.
Vigorously pursuing the implementation of the Kampala Drainage Master Plan 2016 to renovate eight key drainage channels.
Offering a dexterous and dignified leadership that embodies the will and aspirations of the people of Kampala.
Implementing robust livelihood and empowerment programs targeting youth, women, older persons, persons with disabilities, and refugees.
Completing Phillip Omondi Stadium and developing community sports facilities.
Implementing all relevant policy instruments.