The 2026 Kampala City mayoral race is heating up as KACITA chairman Thadeus Musoke Nagenda throws his hat into the ring. Musoke, a well-known businessman based at Kirumira Towers, has officially joined the contest, according to reliable sources.
Musoke is said to be backed by Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, leader of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU)—a political pressure group within the ruling NRM party. His campaign materials already display both the PLU and NRM symbols, indicating strong ties to the ruling political establishment.
The KACITA boss has been active in the business community and recently made headlines for discouraging shop closures during business protests. Instead, he urged traders to embrace the EFRIS system and even met Gen. Saleh in Kapeka Industrial Park to discuss solutions.
Insiders reveal that Musoke is unhappy with current Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, accusing him of not doing enough to protect business interests—especially during budget discussions. He is reportedly supported by several city tycoons who feel Lukwago has been blocking their development projects.
To build his support base, Musoke has been meeting campaign agents in hotels across Kampala. Just yesterday, he reportedly spent over UGX 7 million on community cleaning exercises alongside Nabugabo garbage collectors, showing his commitment to city improvement.
This won’t be Musoke’s first time in the political arena. In 2021, he contested for the Mukono North parliamentary seat, but lost to Hon. Abdallah Kiwanuka, a candidate strongly supported by Bobi Wine’s NUP.
Meanwhile, Nakawa East MP and NUP member, Hon. Ronald Balimwezo, has also expressed interest in the mayoral seat, setting the stage for a highly competitive race as Erias Lukwago confirms his return to defend his position.
