Ssegirinya’s ex-PA Luwemba back as independent to claim Kawempe North MP seat

Kampala, (UG):- Muhammad Lusswa Luwemba, the former personal assistant to the late Kawempe North MP Muhammad Ssegirinya, Monday declared his official bid to contest in the forthcoming constituency by-election, but this time as an independent candidate, having failed to secure the blessings of his former Principal’s party, the National Unity Platform.

The Kawempe North by-election, set for March 13, 2025, came with the passing of then-area MP Muhammad Ssegirinya, who died on January 09 at Rubaga Hospital in Kampala.

Last week, the opposition NUP declared city lawyer Elias Nalukoola Luyimbazi as its official flag bearer after he emerged as the top candidate in the 10-man race which also featured a public debate at the party headquarters in Makerere Kavule, Kampala.

Nalukoola, a former cadre of the Democratic Party emerged victorious from the internal vetting process, with a well-deserving 71.4% score while Luwemba finished third with 35.9%.

But Luwemba argued Monday that Kawempe North residents have asked him to return on an independent ticket as many also disagree with the outcome of the vetting progress.

“During my consultations across the nine parishes of Kawempe North, residents urged me to run. They warned that if I don’t, they might end up voting for the ruling NRM candidate,” Luwemba stated.

Despite contesting as an independent, Luwemba maintains that he remains loyal to NUP and its principles. “I am a strong opponent of NRM. Our people deserve proper representation, and I had no choice but to stand. If I win, I will celebrate my victory at the NUP headquarters,” he asserted.

It however remains to be seen if Luwemba’s move to contest against Nalukoola despite claiming allegiance to the NUP, will attract disciplinary action based on Article 5, Section 5(c) of the party’s constitution.

The runner-up in the race for the NUP ticket, Umar Magala (52.5%) and eight other contenders all pledged their support for Nalukoola, who is poised to win the election, as Kawempe is a hotspot for the opposition.

Who is in the race for Kawempe North?

Luwemba’s entry adds to a growing list of candidates vying for the Kawempe North seat, including the late Sseigirinya’s widow, Ms Hanifah Karadi, NRM’s Faridah Nambi, NUP’s Erias Luyimbaazi Nalukoola (NUP) and FDC’s Sadat Mukiibi aka Kalifa Aganaga.

Others in the race include; Ismail Musiitwa (PPP), Muhamood Mutazindwa, Twahira Akandinda Ssegirinya, and Fahad Kayondo, all independents, while the Democratic Party (DP) is yet to settle on a candidate, with Shakirah Najuuka, Claudis Katumba, and John Bosco Mayinja still under consideration.