“I will not be corrupt”: Balimwezo vows tough, people-centered leadership as Kampala lord mayor-elect

• Ronald Balimwezo Nsubuga pledges a corruption-free, service-oriented administration at City Hall

• Warns wealthy individuals against abusing or terrorizing the poor under his leadership

• Defeated Erias Lukwago by over 100,000 votes on the NUP ticket and faces high expectations to fix Kampala’s urban challenges

The Lord Mayor-elect of Kampala City, Hon. Ronald Balimwezo Nsubuga, has vowed to run City Hall as a people-centered, service-oriented office, warning that corruption, abuse of the law, and intimidation of the poor will not be tolerated under his leadership.

Speaking to the media shortly after being declared the new Lord Mayor, Balimwezo described himself as a consistent public servant with a track record of diligence and integrity, insisting that wealth or status will not shield anyone from the law.

“I am speaking before my Almighty Father. I am not corrupt, and I will never be corrupt,” Balimwezo said.

“For those who think I will be soft-spoken and easily compromised, you don’t know me. I am very consistent, very objective, very serious, and I am going to offer equal opportunities to both the rich and the poor.”

Balimwezo dismissed concerns that powerful or wealthy individuals could exploit his leadership to terrorize ordinary city residents.

“Those who think the rich will take advantage of the poor under my leadership — that is cheap talk,” he said.

“I am a committed Christian ready to serve God’s people equally. The law will not be applied selectively.”

He stressed that enforcement of the law would be firm and impartial, regardless of social or economic standing.

“The law will bite those who are rich and try to terrorize my people,” Balimwezo said.

“At the same time, it will also apply to the poor who commit offenses. Everyone is equal before God and before the law.”

Balimwezo defeated Erias Lukwago in the just-concluded Kampala mayoral elections, winning by a margin of over 100,000 votes. He contested on the National Unity Platform (NUP) ticket.

Before his election as Lord Mayor, Balimwezo served as Member of Parliament for Nakawa East for one term and has previously held other leadership roles within Kampala’s political landscape.

Following his victory, many residents and political observers have expressed confidence in Balimwezo’s ability to address Kampala’s long-standing challenges, including:

Dilapidated roads riddled with potholes

Poor drainage systems that contribute to flooding

Overcrowding and rapid urban congestion

As he prepares to take office, attention now turns to whether the Lord Mayor-elect will translate his strong words into tangible reforms and improved service delivery for Kampala’s residents.