Who is Lukwago?

Oct 01, 2012

I met her around 1999. I was a practicing advocate and she was completing her law course at Makerere University. We used to interact a lot, as I helped her with her research. As a result, our bond grew stronger.

By Roderick Ahimbazwe

The Lord Mayor of Kampala, Erias Lukwago and Zawedde Lubwama Lukwago have been married for over a decade. They are blessed with four children, including a pair of twins. They talk about their marriage

Erias Lukwago needs no introduction, at least in Kampala city. Salongo, lawyer, Hajj, mayor, ow’enkima are all nicknames that have been used to refer to him.

Lukwago was born 42 years ago to Hajj Muhammad Mirundi and Hajjat Salmati Nkayaga. The human rights lawyer cut his teeth in legal practice, after graduating with a diploma from the Law Development Centre in 1997.

The year before, he had completed a Bachelor of Laws course at Makerere University.

Since 1998, Lukwago has worked as the managing partner at Lukwago and Co. Advocates, a law rm that specialises in constitutional and human rights law.

In 2006, he was elected MP for Kampala Central, on the Democratic Party ticket. While in the House, Lukwago served on the legal and parliamentary a airs committee and the local government accounts committee.

He also served as shadow minister for justice and constitutional affairs.

After one term, he contested for mayorship. On May 20, 2011, Lukwago was sworn in as Lord Mayor. He was part of the group that formed the Suubi 2011, a political pressure group ahead of the 2011 elections.

Lukwago is married, with four children including a pair of twins.


How did you meet your wife?

I met her around 1999. I was a practicing advocate and she was completing her law course at Makerere University. We used to interact a lot, as I helped her with her research. As a result, our bond grew stronger.

What made you fall for her?

(Smiling). There were many things, but she struck me as a good lady. I was a single man when I started practicing law in 1998. When I met her, I fell for her down-to-earth character. Something inside me told me she was the woman I would marry.

You are in the same profession. Hasn’t this been a hindrance to your marriage?


Our relationship is a testimony that people in the same profession can be happily married. We have been married for over 10 years and I can proudly say our marriage has been a success.

Though we are both lawyers, we have not made our home a courtroom. We have the usual rules and regulations of any marriage.

As a Muslim, do you see yourself marrying another wife?


Hahahaha, I would like to reserve my comment on that one. I could touch sensitive nerves if I answered that one. And there is a need to respect the different religious norms.


Do you remember your first girlfriend and do you interact with any of your exes?

Ever since I met my lovely wife, I put the past behind me and opened a new chapter in my life. It is said behind every successful man is a strong woman and I can proudly say she has been the rock of my life.

We have never heard of you in love scandals...

Please, spare me from that.

Has politics had any impact on your marriage?

I do not know how my political life can affect my marriage. Of course in politics, there are high and low moments, but I try to ensure that those moments do not affect my young family. I cannot vent my political frustrations on my family, especially
the children.

However, there were times when my children hated the Police, when they saw them (the Police) manhandling me on TV. I am happy that my wife has come to appreciate the problems I have gone through as an opposition politician.

What is the craziest thing you have done for her?

I once went for a trip abroad and walked into a lingerie shop and bought her sexy knickers. I found it weird, but with love, you can do anything.

Can you recall the most romantic time you have had with her?

I think it is the day she delivered our twins in 2007. She is a slender person and I recall the pain she underwent during pregnancy. It was such a great moment and we crowned it with a vacation in the UK, where we spent about 10 days.

Would you let your daughter marry a Christian?

That is really a tricky question, but these are some of the challenges we face in a multi-sect society. I have seen what is happening as a result of the values people hold; both religious and tribal.

I believe in the fundamental rights of every individual, but because of tradition, one can find oneself in a tricky situation.

Is there any female musician you admire?


Hahahaha, that is another tricky question, but, please, do not be offended if I do not answer it.

What is your HIV policy at Kampala Capital City Authority?


We have a department for gender, production and community development, which deals with issues of HIV and we endeavour to provide basic services.

We have also set aside funds for dealing with HIV, though most of our health centres are not in good shape, save for the China-Uganda Friendship Hospital in Naguru and the one in Mengo-Kisenyi.

There are plans to upgrade the ones in Kawempe and Buziga.


Erias is a romantic man, says Zawedde

What attracted you to Erias?

He is a caring and loving gentleman.

When did you finally say yes?


It was after we had dated for sometime. Towards the end of my fourth year at the faculty of law, I realised that he was the man I wanted to spend the rest of my life with.

We were in the same profession and he always found time to help me with my studies.

As a result, I always found myself ahead of other students.

How does it feel being married to a politician?


I do not have any problem with it. I came to understand that Erias loves politics and I let him be. The good thing is that he is neither a lawyer nor a politician at home.

He is not a flashy politician like some of his colleagues, don’t you mind?


No, I do not mind. I did not get into this relationship as a gold digger and I also believe that there is a time for everything. If we are to get richer than we are today, then we shall get there.

How many times do you give him an appreciation kiss?

Oh, I cannot really count the number of times. As I said, he is caring and romantic and as a woman, I have to appreciate him with a kiss.

How did you feel when he left Parliament to become a mayor?

Initially, I had mixed feelings because it was a bigger position and had more challenges. I also thought it would be the end of his political career, but I came to appreciate his determination.

How did he feel when you delivered twins?

It was joy when he got to know about it. But still, it was the same joy when we got the other two children. He is such a nice father and always has time for the children.

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