“Politics has been commercialised” — Lord Mayor aspirant calls out intimidation ahead of Kampala race

Kampala, Uganda

Ronald Balimwezo Nsubuga, a mayoral aspirant for Kampala under the National Unity Platform (NUP) flag, has publicly criticised Uganda’s political environment, alleging that politics has been “commercialised” and is increasingly characterised by intimidation and money-driven competition.

Balimwezo targeted veteran politician Ofwono Opondo (recently elected MP) in his remarks, saying Opondo’s win in Parliament was more about “numbers” than meaningful debate — a comment which triggered swift rebuttal from Opondo, calling the claims “immature politicking”.
The remarks highlight growing tensions within Uganda’s political space: as the 2026 elections near, issues of campaign finance, fairness, and representation are coming under sharper scrutiny.

Observers say such statements reflect broader concerns among younger candidates and opposition voices: that the system favours wealth, incumbency and institutional advantage rather than genuine competition.