PM Robinah Nabbanja Criticizes Erias Lukwago: Calls Him “Naive and Lacking Direction”

In a striking public critique, Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja has openly criticized Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, accusing him of naivety and a lack of strategic direction in fulfilling his duties as the city’s leader. Speaking candidly, Nabbanja expressed her frustrations with Lukwago’s approach to leadership, particularly in light of recent challenges facing Uganda’s capital.

The Prime Minister’s remarks come in the wake of the recent collapse at the Kiteezi landfill, a critical issue that has drawn significant public attention. According to Nabbanja, the incident exemplifies Lukwago’s failure to anticipate and address key infrastructural concerns. She asserted that instead of taking concrete steps to resolve the matter, Lukwago has resorted to what she described as “playing to the gallery.”

“Lord Mayor Lukwago seems more concerned with optics than with actual governance,” Nabbanja stated. “He is quick to run to the media at every opportunity, using the platform to create the impression that he is actively working for the people of Kampala. However, when it comes to real, tangible results, his record shows a glaring lack of strategy and direction.”

Nabbanja further accused Lukwago of merely echoing the words of others, citing his behavior following a recent high-level meeting with the Prime Minister, Kampala ministers, and security organs. She noted that Lukwago was quick to speak out about the discussions held during the meeting, presenting the outcomes as if they were his own initiatives.

“It’s clear that Lord Mayor Lukwago is more interested in taking credit than in actually doing the work,” Nabbanja continued. “After our meeting, he ran to the media, parroting what was discussed as if these ideas originated from him. This is not the leadership Kampala needs. The city requires a mayor who is proactive, who thinks ahead, and who has a clear plan for addressing the complex challenges we face.”

The Prime Minister’s comments have sparked a fresh debate about the effectiveness of leadership in Kampala, with many residents expressing mixed reactions. Some have echoed Nabbanja’s concerns, calling for more decisive action from the Lord Mayor, while others have defended Lukwago, arguing that he is being unfairly targeted for political reasons.

This public clash between two political figures underscores the growing tensions over how best to manage the rapidly expanding city of Kampala. As the capital continues to grapple with issues such as waste management, infrastructure development, and urban planning, the need for cohesive and forward-thinking leadership has never been more critical.

Whether Nabbanja’s criticisms will lead to any substantial changes in the way Kampala is governed remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the spotlight is now firmly on Erias Lukwago, and his response to these allegations will likely shape the future of his political career.