By Following the death of Kawempe North MP Muhammad Ssegirinya, Alex Luwemba has emerged as a contender for the vacant parliamentary seat, vowing to carry forward the late legislator’s legacy. In a strategic and symbolic gesture to honor his former mentor, Luwemba has officially adopted Ssegirinya’s Muslim name, Muhammad.
A notice published in the Uganda Gazette confirms his legal name change to Muhammad Luwemba Lusswa, with the process finalized on January 10. Verified by his legal counsel, the declaration reads:
“I, the undersigned LUWEMBA LUSSWA MUHAMMAD of C/O M/S Wakabala & Co. Advocates, formerly known as LUWEMBA ALEX LUSSWA and LUWEMBA ALEX, hereby renounce, relinquish, and abandon the use of my former names. I shall henceforth use and sign the name LUWEMBA LUSSWA MUHAMMAD in all records, deeds, and transactions.”
Luwemba urged the public to address him by his new name, signifying his commitment to the late legislator’s vision and the community he served.
Ssegirinya, 39, passed away on January 9, 2025, at Lubaga Hospital due to brain failure and multiple organ collapse. His deteriorating health was attributed to a chronic condition worsened by his prolonged detention, as noted by his former colleagues, including Makindye West MP Allan Ssewanyana.
In the days following Ssegirinya’s burial, Luwemba publicly declared his intent to succeed him, a move warmly endorsed by the late MP’s family. Ssegirinya’s mother, Justine Ssanyu Nakajumba, expressed confidence in Luwemba’s ability to continue her son’s work.
“Luwemba was very close to my son. He knows all his secrets, his business, and everything he did for his constituents. We are confident that the people of Kawempe North will not regret supporting him,” Nakajumba said.
She further suggested that Luwemba’s conversion to Islam was essential to fully embrace the responsibilities of carrying on Ssegirinya’s legacy, a recommendation Luwemba has since honored.
Last week, the Clerk to Parliament, Adolf Mwesige, formally notified the Electoral Commission (EC) of the Kawempe North vacancy, paving the way for a by-election. Luwemba has indicated his desire to contest under the National Unity Platform (NUP), the party that propelled Ssegirinya to victory in 2021.
However, NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, emphasized that the party would follow a transparent process to select its candidate.
“We cannot fail to get a candidate who will fulfill Ssegirinya’s objectives. Our process will be guided by the power of the people,” Kyagulanyi stated.
“We are people power, we were people power, and we shall remain people power,” he added.
As the race for Kawempe North intensifies, Luwemba’s close relationship with the late Ssegirinya and his symbolic name change position him as a strong contender. With the by-election drawing near, all eyes are on the NUP selection process and how Luwemba will resonate with the constituents as he seeks to honor the legacy of his mentor.
