Kawempe North is gearing up for a closely watched by-election following the sudden death of its Member of Parliament, Muhammad Ssegirinya, who passed away on January 9 at the age of 37.
The Electoral Commission (EC) has confirmed that preparations for the by-election are in progress, with a detailed roadmap to be announced soon. “We are working within the constitutional 60-day mandate and will share the final program shortly,” said EC Spokesperson Julius Mucunguzi. The roadmap will outline key activities, including candidate nominations, campaign timelines, and the voting day.
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The race for the Kawempe North MP seat has attracted 14 candidates from various political parties. Among them is Dr. Ismael Matovu, a recent graduate of Makerere University with a degree in medicine and surgery. Dr. Matovu’s campaign focuses on addressing unemployment, enhancing community health standards, improving drainage systems, and advocating for financial literacy and a fair wage policy.
“The greatest challenge in Kawempe is unemployment. We need policies that drive social-economic transformation. I also plan to advocate for better support for the elderly, marginalized groups, and fair labor practices,” Dr. Matovu stated. He aims to collaborate with stakeholders, including the central government, Buganda, and civil society organizations, to establish vocational institutes in every parish, creating more job opportunities.
Political parties fielding candidates include the National Unity Platform (NUP), National Resistance Movement (NRM), People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), and People’s Progressive Party (PPP). NUP has seven candidates vying for its flag bearer position, including Umar Magala, Erias Luyimbazi Nalukoola, Mathias Mulumba, Alex Lusswa Luwemba, Salim Sserunkuuma, Dr. Ismael Matovu, and Saulo Kulya Zziwa. The party’s Secretary-General, David Lewis Rubongoya, welcomed the competition, stating, “We encourage more members to show interest. All those expressing interest are known to us and are party members.”
The NRM has five candidates, including Juliet Namale, Ali Moses Jjemba, George Mutumba Onesimus, Samuel Katabaazi Ssankala, and Hanifah Karadi. The party’s current flag bearer, Tom John Fisher Kasenge, is also contesting. Meanwhile, the PFF has fielded Mahamood Mutazindwa, and the PPP is represented by Ismael Musitwa. Notably, the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) and the Democratic Party (DP) have not fielded candidates for the by-election.
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