During solemn Easter joint prayers at Old Kampala prayer grounds, Hon. Ronald Balimwezo made a bold declaration: he will not seek re-election to Parliament, but instead run for the position of Lord Mayor of Kampala.
The prayers, held after the completion of the Way of the Cross, brought together thousands of faithful led by church leaders and clergy.
It was here, amid reflections on sacrifice and integrity, that Balimwezo addressed the controversial Shs 100 million cash handout that recently rocked Parliament.
“As a Christian, I want to be true to myself. I have not taken the said Shs 100 million,” Balimwezo stated firmly, referencing the alleged cash disbursements to MPs.
“I do not accept money that is not mine, and I do not engage in corruption. That is why I am leaving Parliament. I refuse to be labeled a thief when I am not.”
His remarks come on the heels of a letter by President Yoweri Museveni where he did not deny the Shs 100 million payments. He rather clarified the classified budget is designated for purposes including but not limited to securing national interests.
Balimwezo, known for his vocal stance on urban governance and anti-corruption, said his decision to seek the Kampala Lord Mayor seat is driven by a desire to tackle issues that Parliament has failed to solve.
“The reason I am also leaving Parliament is to contest for the position of Lord Mayor of Kampala,” he declared. “This will allow me to address the challenges we face, such as corruption, which has led to the deaths of people due to garbage landslides and bad roads, among others.”
As the city prepares for the 2026 polls, Balimwezo’s declaration sets the tone for a race likely to be defined by accountability, public service, and leadership integrity.