Muhammad Lusswa Luwemba, a former aide to the late Kawempe North MP Muhammad Ssegirinya, has announced his bid to contest as an independent candidate in the upcoming by-election after failing to secure the National Unity Platform (NUP) ticket.
Addressing his supporters, Luwemba expressed disappointment with NUP’s decision to endorse city lawyer Elias Luyimbaazi Nalukoola as its flag bearer.
He claimed that many residents urged him to run, arguing that the party had chosen the wrong candidate.
“Wherever I go, people ask about my next move. I have traversed every parish, and the people have said the party president made a mistake,” Luwemba stated.
Despite running as an independent, Luwemba reaffirmed his loyalty to NUP but insisted that his decision was in the best interest of the people of Kawempe North.
“I am still a member of NUP, but for the good of the people, I have decided to liberate this constituency from the hands of the National Resistance Movement. Kawempe North is not for sale,” he declared.
The Kawempe North seat became vacant following the death of Muhammad Ssegirinya on January 9.
Ssegirinya had won the constituency for NUP in the 2021 general election, making it a stronghold for the opposition party.
NUP officially endorsed Nalukoola as its flag bearer after a highly competitive selection process in which Luwemba was one of the contenders.
Reports indicate that Luwemba even went as far as changing his name and religion in his bid for the party’s endorsement.
With the by-election set for March 13, the race is shaping up to be highly contested, as several candidates prepare to challenge NUP’s stronghold in the constituency.