Lawyer Elias Luyimbazi Nalukoola has been named the flagbearer for the opposition party, National Unity Platform, ahead of its defence of the Kawempe North MP seat in the by-election due March 13
The constituency lost its representative, Mr. Ssegirinya, who died on January 9. He held the seat for the biggest opposition party by Parliament representation after winning the 2021 race.
Kawempe North by-election takes place on March 13, with NUP the hot favorite to retain the metropolitan seat.
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Speaking after the announcement of NUP’s flag bearer for the upcoming Kawempe North by-election, leader of the National Unity Platform (NUP), Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, used the opportunity to take a swipe at the National Resistance Movement (NRM), claiming that his party has become the true example of democracy in Uganda, despite facing political suppression from the ruling government.
Kyagulanyi highlighted the transparent and fair selection process as a testament to the democratic values that NUP upholds, which he asserts are absent in the NRM.
“The process we have gone through to select our flag bearer is a true sign of democracy, something the ruling party has failed to practice,” Kyagulanyi said.
“Even when we are under duress, even when we are not allowed to do what we believe can define the leadership of a new Uganda, we continue to practice democracy,” he said.
Kyagulanyi also called upon NUP members to unite behind the newly chosen candidate for Kawempe North and remain steadfast in promoting the party’s core values of integrity, unity, and discipline.
“Integrity is one of our core values, and we hold it in high regard. We don’t just want to talk about it; we want to practice it,” he stressed.
The NUP leader also commended the party’s election management committee for ensuring a fair and transparent selection process. He called on party members to accept the results of the internal election and work cohesively toward victory in the by-election.
“Everybody had a candidate they supported, but we all agreed that the best person has to take it. Let us all stand behind the winner,” Kyagulanyi urged.
Nalukoola emerged victorious against stiff competition, including Muhammad Lussa Luwemba, a former aide to the late Muhammad Ssegirinya.
Luwemba is reported to have gone to great lengths, even changing his name and religion and seeking divine intervention, in his bid for the ticket.
To prevent divisions within the party after the primaries, NUP required all 10 candidates to sign a written pledge not to run as independents if they lost the primary contest; it remains to be seen.
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