By Muhammad Luswa Luwemba, a former aide to the late Kawempe North legislator Muhammad Ssegirinya, has officially been nominated to contest in the upcoming by-election set for March 2025.
Luswa arrived at the Electoral Commission (EC) offices on a boda boda and underwent a rigorous verification process before being assigned a radio as his campaign symbol—despite initially requesting a watch. EC officials cited inconsistencies in his documentation as the reason for the prolonged nomination process. However, after a thorough review, he was cleared to run.
Speaking to journalists after his nomination, Luswa expressed frustration over the delays, raising concerns about potential irregularities in the electoral process.
“I am grateful to finally be nominated, but the process was marred with unnecessary delays,” he said.
“The people of Kawempe North deserve a free and fair election, and we will not accept any intimidation or high-handedness in this process.”
Luswa further warned that his supporters might reject the election outcome if fairness is not upheld.
“If the harassment and irregularities we witnessed today continue, we shall not hesitate to challenge the legitimacy of this election,” he added.
Luswa previously vied for the National Unity Platform (NUP) ticket but lost to Elias Luyimbazi Nalukoola, finishing third in the party’s primaries. Despite an agreement binding all aspirants to support the chosen NUP candidate and refrain from running as independents, Luswa and another candidate, Moses Nsereko, have since broken ranks with the party and decided to contest independently.
The EC continues to scrutinize and verify other candidates as the nomination process progresses. With the Kawempe North seat now vacant following Ssegirinya’s tenure, the by-election is shaping up to be a highly competitive race.
As the campaigns officially kick off, all eyes will be on whether Luswa’s concerns about fairness are addressed and how the contest unfolds in Kawempe North
