"Don't Be Fooled Again" Museveni Tells Voters as He Battles NUP in Kawempe North By-Election

President Yoweri Museveni has launched a high-stakes campaign to reclaim the opposition-dominated Kawempe North constituency, urging voters not to be "fooled again" by the National Unity Platform (NUP).

With the by-election set for March 13, 2025, Museveni’s involvement is seen as a test of his influence in Kampala, a city where NUP has maintained strong support.

The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) has fielded Faridah Nambi, the daughter of party vice-chairman Al-Hajj Moses Kigongo.

She faces stiff competition from NUP’s Elias Luyimbazi Nalukoola, who hopes to maintain his party’s dominance after the death of former MP Muhammad Ssegirinya.

In 2021, Ssegirinya secured a landslide victory with 41,197 votes, leaving NRM's candidate in a distant third place.

Museveni, determined to change the tide, told residents of Bwaise and Kyebando that voting for the opposition had left them with "empty promises."

He emphasized that NRM is the only party capable of delivering services.

“They deceive you with sweet words, but when the time comes for action, they disappear. Don’t be fooled again!” Museveni told a gathering.

NUP leaders, including party president Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine), have accused the government of using state resources to manipulate the election.

NUP rallies have drawn massive crowds, leading to clashes with security forces. Early incidents of violence against opposition supporters have raised concerns about electoral fairness.

NUP spokesperson Joel Ssenyonyi dismissed Museveni’s campaign as an act of desperation. “Kawempe North is NUP territory. Museveni can come, but the people have already decided,” he said.

NRM is banking on its ability to consolidate resources in by-elections, a strategy that has worked in some past races.

Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja has been actively mobilizing support, arguing that opposition MPs struggle to secure government funding for development projects.

Despite this push, analysts believe NRM faces an uphill battle. Kampala has consistently voted against the ruling party, and Museveni’s intervention may not be enough to shift voter sentiments.

With just days to the polls, both camps are intensifying their campaigns.

Whether Museveni’s presence will tilt the balance remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—Kawempe North is a battleground that will test his political grip.