• Ronald Balimwezo’s relationship with Bobi Wine deepened during the 2017 Kyadondo East by-election.

• He maintained integrity while managing party funds, gaining trust in NUP and rising to Lord Mayor.

• Support for Bobi Wine was driven by principle and respect, not just political alignment.

The Lord Mayor-elect of Kampala City, Hon. Ronald Balimwezo, has shared how he met NUP President Bobi Wine and how their relationship grew into a strong friendship. Balimwezo said he had been following Bobi Wine from a distance as a musician, admiring his educative songs. However, it was during the 2017 Kyadondo East by-election for the MP position that their relationship became more personal.

Balimwezo explained that prior to meeting Bobi Wine, he was no stranger in Kyadondo East, especially after FDC President Kiiza Besigye had taken a liking to him. Former MP Nabilah Naggayi Ssempala had once taken him to meet Besigye, who instantly liked him because of his persona.

When there was an election in Nakawa East, Besigye advised Balimwezo to run for that position and leave the mayoral seat he was aiming for. However, Balimwezo opted to run for mayor instead, believing he should not jump steps. Michael Kabaziguruka ran on the FDC ticket and won. At that time, Balimwezo was chosen in Nakawa East to campaign for Besigye in the 2016 presidential elections.

However, when Besigye came to the area, he campaigned and endorsed the FDC aspirant against Balimwezo. Balimwezo, who had been Besigye’s campaign agent, was hurt by this endorsement but still won resoundingly.

When Bobi Wine came onto the scene in 2017, Balimwezo and other former mayors, including now Makindye East MP-elect Ali Mulyanyama, decided to campaign for Bobi Wine against FDC’s Apollo Kantinti. Balimwezo emphasized that they did this not because everyone supported Bobi Wine, but to end the mockery and disrespect from FDC endorsements.

Balimwezo noted that he, alongside other mayors and Lubega Mukaku, were the only big names at Bobi Wine’s rally, including Bobi Wine’s brother, Fred Nyanzi Sentamu. There were no other MPs campaigning for him at the time. Luckily, Bobi Wine won the election.

At the time, Balimwezo was in the Social Democratic Party (SDP) led by Michael Mabikke. He added that when Bobi Wine entered parliament, he quickly became famous and vocal on certain bills, such as Togikwatako and social media regulations, which boosted his popularity. It was then that Ali Mulyanyama suggested Bobi Wine was ready to run for the presidency, and they all endorsed him.

Later, Balimwezo decided to leave SDP, especially after Michael Mabikke started attacking Bobi Wine, whom Balimwezo believed was blessed and anointed by God. This led him to join the National Unity Platform (NUP), where he ran for Nakawa East, won, and was later elevated to Lord Mayor for Kampala City.

Balimwezo highlighted that his honesty has endeared him to NUP and Bobi Wine. He was tasked with collecting funds raised by supporters and other abolitionists for the struggle and has never misused any money. He pledged:

 “I will never betray Bobi Wine and will continue to serve the cause of change.”