Africa-Press – Uganda. Kampala Lord Mayor-elect, Eng. Ronald Balimwezo Nsubuga, has hailed former National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, as the “salt and light of the earth” during Sunday Mass at St Mary’s Cathedral, Lubaga.
In his remarks, the outgoing Nakawa East Member of Parliament expressed gratitude to the Catholic Church for its continued advocacy against injustice in the country, acknowledging its influence on his life and political journey.
“I want to thank the Catholic Church, which has come out on various occasions to speak about the injustices taking place in our country. Personally, I have benefited from the foundation I derived from the Catholic Church, and the values I received is what I will move forward with as I seek to lead Kampala as Lord Mayor,” he said.
Balimwezo reflected on the tense atmosphere following Uganda’s 2026 general elections, describing it as unlike any he had witnessed in his years of political involvement.
He highlighted the distress among opposition supporters and the chaotic scenes reported at vote tally centers.
“In all my years, I have never seen an election like this one. The last person is declared the winner, leaving tears in tally centers,” he said, referencing post-election unrest.
He also alluded to incidents involving Kyagulanyi’s family, including an alleged raid on his Magere residence and an attack on his wife, which he described as “regrettable.”
Balimwezo urged prayers for Kyagulanyi, who remains in hiding, and other political prisoners, including Dr. Kizza Besigye, Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro, and Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi.
“Kyagulanyi is the salt and light of the earth. However, our light is not with us, we are living in darkness. I therefore call upon you all to pray for him, his family, and all political prisoners,” he said.
In the election, Balimwezo won with 141,220 votes, defeating incumbent Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), who received 41,915 votes, while Moses Nsubuga of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) followed with 43,615 votes.
The Lord Mayor-elect appealed to the public for support in prayer as he begins his mission to transform Kampala.
“I urge you to stand with me in prayer as I embark on this new journey of leading Kampala City and making it a better place,” he said.
Earlier this week, NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya provided an update on Kyagulanyi, assuring the public that the opposition leader is alive and plans to address the nation soon.
“He sends greetings to the country and will be speaking to the nation very soon,” Rubongoya said during a press briefing at the NUP headquarters in Makerere-Kavule.
Since the January 15, 2026, general election, Kyagulanyi has rejected the results, labeling them as “fake” and accusing the Electoral Commission of manipulating the process. He also claimed the Commission announced results without providing the mandatory Declaration of Results (DR) forms, though no substantial evidence has been provided.
On January 16, Kyagulanyi reportedly left his Magere residence and went into hiding after it was allegedly raided by military personnel.
He continues to update supporters via social media, claiming state security agencies are targeting him—a claim denied by the government.
Kyagulanyi has stated he will not challenge the election results in court, citing a lack of faith in the judiciary. Instead, he has called on supporters to peacefully protest in solidarity for what he considers a stolen election.
Government officials, including Minister for Information and Communications Technology and National Guidance Dr Chris Baryomunsi, have dismissed claims of political persecution.
In response to remarks from the Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba hinting at pursuing Kyagulanyi, Baryomunsi clarified that security deployments at his home are intended to prevent it from becoming a “hub for public disorder.”
