Lukwago Confirms Desire to Be President, Says It’s Time to Consider a Shot at the Presidency

Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago has spoken about his long-standing interest in running for president, saying the idea has been on his mind for years but he waited for the right time.

In an interview on CBS FM, Lukwago said he had considered contesting as early as 2011. However, he chose to support other opposition figures whom he believed had a better chance at the time.

“It would not be honest to say I don’t want to be president,” he said. “I do. But when I sat with colleagues and saw someone better placed, I stepped aside.”

Lukwago, who is now 55 and leads the recently launched People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), said many of his supporters believe he should have stood in 2016.

“People say I made a mistake by not contesting in 2016. They think I missed a good chance,” he said.

He also spoke about opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye, who first ran for president in 2001 at age 45.

“Besigye was 45 then. Now he is 69. I am 55. So why shouldn’t I consider it too?” Lukwago asked.

Lukwago has not confirmed whether he will stand in the 2026 elections. With Dr Besigye currently in prison and unlikely to run, the PFF will have to decide whether to front a candidate or back another from the opposition.

President Yoweri Museveni, now 80, is expected to seek another term. National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, is also expected to contest.

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