Fred Nyanzi Ssentamu, commonly known as Chairman Nyanzi and the elder sibling of Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (Bobi Wine), has escalated his efforts to unseat Ssalongo Erias Lukwago from the position of Lord Mayor at the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA).
In a recent gathering at a hotel in Lubaga Division, Kampala city, Nyanzi rallied his key supporters, expressing confidence in winning the battle against Lukwago in 2026. Assuring them not to fret about financial resources, he disclosed ongoing discussions with influential city tycoons committed to backing his campaign.
Sources close to Nyanzi revealed that his strategy extends beyond local dynamics, with international support anticipated. He claimed to have engaged Dubai-based businessmen, outlining his vision for Kampala and garnering their positive response. Nyanzi emphasized the collective responsibility to secure victory for the city’s sake.
The alignment of city tycoons with Nyanzi stems from Lukwago’s prolonged confrontations with some, accusing them of unfair treatment toward business operators in their premises and alleging land grabs. Notably, businessmen Drake Lubega and Mansoor Yanga even threatened legal action against Lukwago, claiming he incited legal challenges from business tenants.
Insiders within the NUP (National Unity Platform) suggested that Bobi Wine might struggle to prevent Nyanzi’s candidacy against Lukwago. Despite Bobi Wine’s desire for cooperation with the FDC (Forum for Democratic Change) Katonga faction, where Lukwago holds the presidency, Nyanzi’s momentum appears challenging to curb.
Before challenging Lukwago, Nyanzi faces an internal competition within NUP for the Lord Mayorship ticket, contending against fellow party members such as Makindye Division mayor Kasirye Mulyanyama, Kawempe Division’s Emmanuel Sserunjogi, and David Lewis Rubongoya, the party Secretary General.
Lukwago’s background reveals a birth in Kabungo Village, Kalungu District, on May 11, 1970, to Muhhamoud Mirundi and Salmati Nakayaga. Lukwago, reportedly having over twenty siblings, pursued legal education at Makerere University, graduating in 1997. He obtained a Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Center in 1998, along with a Certificate in Advocacy Skills from the International Law Institute.
Since 1998, Lukwago has been the managing partner at Lukwago and Company Advocates, a Kampala-based law firm specializing in constitutional and human rights law. His political journey saw him elected to the Ugandan Parliament in 2005, representing the Central Kampala Constituency. Serving on committees like Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, and Local Government Accounts, he resigned in 2011 and assumed the role of Lord Mayor of Kampala. Lukwago has also held positions as the national legal adviser to the Democratic Party, and Shadow Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs. Sworn in for three consecutive terms as Lord Mayor (2011, 2016, and 2021), Lukwago continues to be a prominent figure in Kampala’s political landscape.
