By The National Unity Platform (NUP) is hosting a highly anticipated live debate today for candidates vying for the party’s ticket in the upcoming Kawempe North by-election. This marks a pivotal moment in the selection process for the seat, left vacant following the death of the late MP Muhammad Ssegirinya on January 9, 2025.
The debate, currently taking place at the NUP headquarters in Kamwokya, has drawn a significant audience, both online and in-person, as supporters eagerly watch the ten aspirants present their visions for Kawempe North. The session is part of a dual-pronged selection process outlined by NUP Secretary General Lewis Rubongoya.
“The debate accounts for 50% of the selection criteria,” Rubongoya explained earlier. “To ensure order, we have limited the number of supporters for each candidate at the venue.”
The remaining 50% will be determined through a constituency-wide survey conducted by the party’s Electoral Management Committee. The survey will assess the candidates’ popularity and suitability among Kawempe North residents.
Among the ten contenders is Luwemba Lusswa Muhammad, a former aide to the late Ssegirinya, lawyer Luyimbazi Nalukoola, and Serunkuuma Salim, popularly known as “Mafu Mafu.” Other aspirants include Dr. Charles Rubagumya, Eng. Ssenkungu Kenneth, Umar Magara, Mathias Mulumba, Moses Nsereko, Saulo Kulya Zziwa, and Kakyika Fredrick.
Each candidate is using this platform to articulate their policies on pressing issues such as youth unemployment, healthcare, infrastructure, and education, aiming to sway both party officials and constituents.
In addition to the Kawempe North parliamentary seat, the NUP is also finalizing preparations for the by-election to fill the vacant Kazo-Angola councillor position in Kawempe Division. The seat fell vacant following the 2022 death of Yusuf Yakubu Kiggundu, who tragically passed away in a road accident.
NUP’s Electoral Management Committee chairperson, Mercy Walukamba, confirmed that two candidates have been cleared for the Kazo-Angola Ward race. Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission has announced that official campaign meetings for both by-elections will run from February 28 to March 11, with voting scheduled for March 13, 2025.
