Lukwago’s Wrong Leadership Messed Up Kampala, We Are Ready To Eject Him, Bobi Vows

National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine has declared his determination to unseat Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, citing his 15-year tenure as evidence of ineffective leadership.
Speaking on NBSTV’s local Barometer show on April 1, 2025, Bobi Wine emphasized the need for new NUP leadership in Kampala.
The revelation began with show moderator Adam Kungu asking Bobi Wine about the recent floods in Kampala.
“I need to pick your thoughts on the floods that swept Kampala City. What would be your view? Is bad leadership causing it, or is someone sleeping on his job?” Kungu asked.
Tough-talking Bobi Wine responded, “All those things that you have said have caused the floods in Kampala, but most importantly, the wrong leadership.”
Bobi Wine further asserted, “We have to change leadership, and we, as NUP, think that we have to take leadership at every level. If we implemented the ideas I have, the country would change. If Ugandans give us a chance to lead at LC1, LCII, LC3, LC4, LC5, up to president, we can change this country.”
He concluded, “So, even in Kampala City here, you give us a chance to lead you.”
Lukwago’s Under Fire
Lukwago, who has been in a City Hall-based office for 15 years, is facing criticism for his leadership. The veteran politician and the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) interim leader’s decision to ditch the pressure group’s supporter Muhammad Mutazindwa to publicly campaign for the NUP flag bearer, Elias Luyimbaazi Nalukoola in the recent Kawempe North by-election reportedly without seeking consent from PFF stakeholders, has also sparked accusations of “betrayal” from PFF members.
Angry PFF members and some political observers interpreted Lukwago’s move as a “strategic action to save himself from the obvious intention of NUP to front a candidate against him in Kampala in 2026 elections,” yet a “betrayal to other PFF members especially its titular head Dr. Kizza Besigye who has sacrificed everything for the opposition struggle for decades.”
“How can Besigye, who has been incarcerated for the last couple of months and still counting, find his PFF already donated to NUP just because one man [Lukwago] sleeps only thinking of saving his position in Kampala at the expense of the big cause for all Ugandans?” one PFF enthusiast asked.
PFF is apparently in a protracted push to be registered as a political party by the Electoral Commission.
Attempt to Ally with NUP
In an apparent attempt to thwart the uncompromising NUP leader’s plans to field a candidate against him in the 2026 lord mayoral race, Lukwago has been attending NUP-organized activities and chanting “unity call” whenever he gets a microphone.
However, Bobi Wine’s latest remarks suggest that Bobi is determined to challenge Lukwago’s leadership. Bobi Wine has already indicated a plan to front Nakawa West’s Ronald Balimwezo as his candidate for the lord mayor’s seat.
Lukwago’s actions may have far-reaching consequences, potentially damaging his relationships with both Bobi Wine and PFF members. His attempts to ally with Wine may be seen as cunning, while his betrayal of PFF members could erode trust in him.