The National Unity Platform (NUP) has compelled all 10 aspirants vying for the party flag in the Kawempe North by-election to commit to not running as independents should they lose the party’s endorsement.
The party began screening these aspirants today, aiming to select a single flagbearer to contest against candidates from other political parties in the race to fill the seat left vacant by Muhammad Ssegirinya’s untimely death on January 9, 2025.
Umar Magala, the first of the 10 to be vetted at the NUP headquarters at Makerere Kavule, told the Nile Post that “every person is made to sign a consent form first before screening to commit not to stand as an independent in case they are not given the party .”
The aspirants include Elias Luyimbaazi Nalukoola, a renowned city lawyer; Salim Serunkuuma, a businessman and former candidate; Mathias Mulumba, also known as Kikumi Kya Doola, who serves as the LC1 chairman of Corner Zone; and Muhamood Mutazindwa.
Others include Kulya Soul Zziwa; and Alex Luwemba, who was formerly an aide to the late Muhammad Ssegirinya.
While NUP is going the long route, the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has endorsed musician Sadat Mukiibi, known as Khalifa Aganaga, as their candidate for the Kawempe North by-election.
Aganaga was officially unveiled at the FDC party headquarters in Najjanankumbi, with FDC President Patrick Oboi Amuriat urging all members to rally behind him for victory in the upcoming by-election.
The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) also cut to the chase by endorsing Faridah Nambi, daughter of NRM National Vice Chairman Hajj Moses Kigongo, as its candidate.
This decision has led Hajjat Hanifah Karadi, who was also vying for the NRM flag, to announce her intention to run as an independent candidate, citing concerns over the fairness of the nomination process.
The Electoral Commission has scheduled the Kawempe North by-election for March 13, 2025. The nomination of candidates is set to take place from February 26 to 27, 2025.
The campaign period will run from February 28 to March 11, 2025.
The Kawempe North parliamentary seat became vacant following the death of Muhammad Ssegirinya on January 9, 2025. The Electoral Commission has scheduled the by-election for March 13, 2025.