Kampala, (UG):- The Electoral Commission (EC) has released the roadmap for the Kawempe North MP by-election with the highly anticipated polls set for March 13, 2025.
The Kawempe North Parliamentary seat became vacant following the death of the former representative (MP), Hon. Ssegirinya Muhammad on 9th January 2025.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ consultative meeting on Monday, January 27, 2025, EC Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama outlined the key steps and timelines in the electoral process for both the parliamentary seat and the councillor seat for Kazo-Angola Ward, Kawempe Division.
The by-election will be conducted within a 60-day window, as required by the Constitution, with the election slated for Thursday, March 13, 2025. This will allow the Commission to fill the vacant parliamentary seat and the councillor position for Kazo-Angola Ward.
The program will include key activities updating and displaying of voters’ register, nomination of candidates by the office of the area returning officer, and electoral campaigns among others leading up to the polling day.
Nomination of candidates will be conducted between February 26 to February 27, 2025, while campaigns will begin on 28th February and will run until 11th March 2025.
On 13th March 2025, voters will head to the polls to elect new representatives for the two contested positions.
The EC Chairperson urged political parties and candidates to ensure peaceful campaigning. “I particularly appeal to the prospective candidates to desist from organising supporters into processions marching to and from campaign venues,” Byabakama advised, calling on the Uganda Police Force to enforce these guidelines.
He implored anyone wishing to serve as an election observer for the by-election to apply to the commission for approval before the polling day.
“The Commission further welcomes proposals and suggestions aimed at ensuring the conduct of free and fair electoral activities in Kawatwe Divisional. The Conduct of Election involves many stakeholders. Adherence to the electoral laws and guidelines by all stakeholders during the entire electoral process is therefore very crucial,” he said.
Byabakama expressed gratitude to the various stakeholders, including political, security, and civil society leaders, for their ongoing cooperation with the Commission. “On behalf of the Electoral Commission, I extend my appreciation… for the cooperation you have always accorded the Commission in the execution of its constitutional mandate of organising and conducting regular free and fair elections,” he said.
The Kawempe North MP by-election will be overseen by Henry Makabai, the district electoral returning officer, with Rehema Nassuna serving as the assistant.
How the race is shaping up?
At least ten individuals have so far expressed interest in contesting for the Kawempe North MP seat in the upcoming by-election. Among the aspirants are Moses Ali Jjemba, an NRM cadre and resident of Mbogo Village; Elias Luyimbaazi Nalukoola, a prominent city lawyer seeking the National Unity Platform (NUP) ticket; Salim Serunkuuma, a businessman and former candidate; Mathias Mulumba, also known as Kikumi Kya Doola, the LC1 chairman of Corner Zone; and Onemus Mutumba.
Others include Tom Fisher Kasenge and Juliet Namale from the NRM party, as well as Umar Magala, Muhamood Mutazindwa, and Kulya Soul Zziwa, who are vying for the NUP ticket. Additionally, Alex Luwemba, the former aide to the late MP Ssegirinya, has also expressed interest.
Kawempe North constituency is composed of nine parishes: Kawempe I, Bwaise I, Kazo-Angola, Kawempe II, Kanyanya, Kyebando, Kikaaya, Komamboga, and Mpererwe. As of now, none of the aspirants have been officially confirmed as candidates by their respective political parties.
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