Public reacts as Balimwezo rejects ‘old fashioned’ Lord Mayor’s chair’

• Lord Mayor Balimwezo refuses to use the ceremonial Lord Mayor’s chair citing its age.

• Public reaction is mixed, with some seeing superstition and disrespect, others defending a fresh start.

• Critics argue the timing is poor given Kampala’s urgent city management challenges.

Barely two days after being sworn in as the Kampala Lord Mayor, Eng. Ronald Nsubuga Balimwezo is already facing backlash  for declining to use the ceremonial Lord Mayor’s chair that has been in service for nearly 50 years. 

The decision, announced shortly after his swearing-in on May 20, 2026, prompted criticism from citizens and commentators, who accused him of superstition, disrespect for tradition, and unnecessary extravagance.

Balimwezo cited the chair’s age as his reason for rejection. 

The ornate wooden chair, featuring deep burgundy tufted leather and intricate carvings including the inscription “VIS UNITA FORTIOR,” was previously used by former Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago for 15 years, as well as several predecessors. 

The Lord Mayor reportedly requested that the Kampala Capital City Authority procure a new chair for him.

The announcement drew mixed responses on social media. 

Some Ugandans expressed disappointment, seeing the rejection as an unnecessary break from tradition. 

One X user, @atwookijohn, wrote: “Wondering who bewitched Politicians, Balimwezo please buy your own. In Europe such a chair of such age is a treasure.” 

Another, @Janabs16, urged a spiritual perspective: “Rather than replacing the chair, he could simply dedicate & recommit the office to integrity, service, & faith while preserving its history and symbolic value.”

Facebook users also debated the move, with some questioning the logic of replacing the chair while other historic symbols, like the golden chain, remain in use. 

Others defended Balimwezo, citing precedents such as Speaker Anita Among refusing her predecessor’s office, and saw it as a symbolic fresh start for his administration.

Critics argue the focus on furniture is tone-deaf given Kampala’s pressing issues, including waste management, flooding, traffic congestion, and corruption. Observers suggest the episode may shape public perception of Balimwezo’s priorities in his early days in office, while supporters maintain it signals a commitment to modernising governance and service delivery.