As a young lawyer striving to establish himself in the city, Joseph Balikuddembe Mutebi’s life was thrown into disarray when his father, Patrick Musisi, passed away in 2005. Musisi was no ordinary figure. He was the MP for Busiro South and a staunch supporter of the Democratic Party (DP). His legacy needed to be upheld.
Following several meetings among senior DP officials, it was agreed that Balikuddembe should follow in his father’s footsteps in the by-elections. Among those who strongly advocated for Balikuddembe was Erias Lukwago, then an emerging lawyer with a flourishing law firm.
Lukwago had good reason to support him. More than other DP members, he was well acquainted with Balikuddembe’s capabilities. Lukwago was Balikuddembe’s employer at his thriving law firm on London Chambers, along Johnston Street.
He had mentored him, imparting the skills of legal advocacy and political strategy. In fact, after Balikuddembe won the by-election, he described Lukwago as the person who “ignited” his passion for politics in an interview with the Daily Monitor.
Their partnership deepened in 2011 when Mutebi ran for re-election. Lukwago, now a prominent Kampala Central MP, leveraged his influence to rally voters, helping Balikuddembe secure another victory. Their bond appeared unbreakable, with Lukwago serving as both a professional mentor and a close political ally.
First Cracks
Tensions between the two emerged in 2010 in the run up to the DP delegates’ conference in Mbale. The party was divided, with heated debates about its future direction and leadership. Lukwago, who had fallen out with the section of leaders who were organizing the conference, advised Balikuddembe to skip the event to avoid stirring trouble. However, Balikuddembe, now more confident as a parliamentarian, chose to attend.
His decision to disregard Lukwago’s advice created friction between them, and by 2011, their professional relationship had collapsed. Balikuddembe left Lukwago’s law firm and established his own.
Balikuddembe felt the need to stand on his own, while some suggest Lukwago viewed the move as a betrayal by someone he had nurtured. Mutebi did not seek re-election in 2016 and retreated to private legal practice. However, he has now returned to the political stage in a manner that Lukwago might not have anticipated.
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In an interview with Bbeg Media yesterday, Balikuddembe announced that he will support and actively campaign for Ronald Balimwezo for the Kampala Lord Mayor’s seat in 2026. In other words, he wants his former mentor, Lukwago, to lose.
“I want to state clearly that I fully back comrade Balimwezo to lead Kampala, and as is my right, I made that decision based on his proven record of good governance and effective service delivery,” he said. However, he was quick to add that he still “respects” Lukwago, though he believes his time has passed.
Balikuddembe’s decision to support Balimwezo is more than a rejection of Lukwago. Once a young lawyer learning from his mentor, Balikuddembe is now a leader in his own right. Whether his move will influence the 2026 mayoral race or deepen divisions within the opposition remains to be seen. One thing is certain, however: Balikuddembe is no longer in anyone’s shadow.
