NUP’s Balimwezo Nominated for City Mayoral Race

Ronald Balimwezo Nsubuga, the Nakawa East Member of Parliament and National Unity Platform (NUP) flagbearer for the Kampala City Lord Mayor seat, has been nominated.

Balimwezo arrived at the Electoral Commission, accompanied by his wife, Rachel Balimwezo, Kawempe North Member of Parliament Erius Nalukola Luyombazi, Justin Ssendikadiwa, former Lubaga Division Mayor, former Mayor for Central Division Charles Sselunjogi, Lubaga North Member of Parliament Kawalya Abubaker and National Unity Platform-NUP Deputy Spokesperson Mufumbiro Waiswa.

Balimwezo presented his academic documents, signatures, seconders, official agent, and payment receipts. After verification, Rashid Hasakya, the Kampala District returning officer, declared Balimwezo duly nominated.

“I, Hasakya Rashid, being the returning officer for Kampala District, declare Engineer Ronald Balimwezo Nsubuga of National Unity Platform-NUP duly nominated. Take this seriously, don’t start campaigns, because we shall inform you when. I wish you well.” Hasakya said.

Balimwezo proceeded to the National Unity Platform (NUP) headquarters, where he is expected to meet with party leaders to plan for the campaign launch.

“I’ve been around, I’ve served in all capacities at every level of local government, and I’ve acquired all the necessary knowledge and skills to plan for this city, which has long been plagued by political squabbles,” Balimwezo said.

“I have experience; I’ve been a mayor, and I know the problems of Kampala intimately,” Balimwezo stated. “I’m not standing because I’ve failed as the Nakawa East MP, but because I was moved by two critical issues. Firstly, losing my leg in a road accident due to poor roads was a wake-up call. Secondly, the tragic loss of lives in the Kiteezi garbage incident broke my heart. I want to address these pressing issues – bad roads and Kampala’s garbage problem.”

The Kampala Mayoral race is shaping up to be a closely contested one between incumbent Erias Lukwago, who has announced his return on the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) ticket, and Ronald Balimwezo, representing the National Unity Platform (NUP). Other candidates, including Beatrice Mao, were also nominated for the same position on Tuesday.