KAMPALA, Uganda — Ronald Balimwezo of the National Unity Platform was declared the winner of the Kampala mayoral race after two days of vote tallying, unseating a longtime incumbent.
Balimwezo received 141,220 votes to defeat seven other candidates, including Erias Lukwago, who has served as lord mayor for 15 years.
Moses Kizito Nsubuga of the ruling National Resistance Movement finished second with 43,615 votes. Lukwago, representing the People’s Front for Freedom, finished third with 41,915 votes.
Other candidates included Beatrice Mao of the Democratic Party, who received 2,162 votes, and Ibrahim Biribwa Sozi of the Forum for Democratic Change, who received 1,427 votes. Independent candidates Nabilah Naggayi Sempala, Eddie Bazira Kibalama and Jothan Yamureebire received 1,854, 188 and 119 votes, respectively.
Following the declaration, Balimwezo pledged to improve the city and said he would seek advice from Lukwago.
I will knock on your doors because you are experienced and you have done a lot for this city, Balimwezo said. I also thank you for the great service you have offered to this city.
Balimwezo also expressed gratitude to his party and National Unity Platform leader Bobi Wine for the opportunity to represent the organization.
