Politicians Aspiring to Replace Late Ssegirinya Hit With Another Bad News as Race Heats up

The contest for the Kawempe North parliamentary seat has taken another twist as aspiring politicians face new challenges in their bid to replace the late Muhammad Ssegirinya.

The race, which has attracted 16 aspirants, has become increasingly competitive, with candidates scrambling for party endorsements and public support.

The Electoral Commission (EC) has set March 13 as the date for the by-election, following Ssegirinya’s death on January 9.

EC chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama, speaking at the launch of the election roadmap in Kawempe on Monday, emphasized the importance of a fair and transparent process. He also urged candidates to adhere to campaign regulations.

Among the 16 contenders, seven belong to the Opposition National Unity Platform (NUP), which aims to retain the seat. However, their internal selection process has become a major hurdle.

The party must conduct primaries to determine its official flagbearer, leading to heightened tensions among aspirants.

The NUP hopefuls include Ssegirinya’s former political assistant Alex Lusswa Luwemba, alongside Umar Magala, Erias Luyimbazi Nalukoola, Mathias Mulumba, Salim Sserunkuma, Dr. Ismael Matovu, and Saulo Kulya Zziwa.

With growing pressure and political maneuvering within the constituency, aspirants face uncertainty over their party endorsements.

Meanwhile, voters remain keen on who will ultimately secure the seat. As the campaign period nears, the competition is expected to intensify further.