The late Muhammad Ssegirinya’s mother, Justine Ssanyu Nakajjumba, has criticized the National Unity Platform (NUP) for sidelining her son’s former aide, Muhammad Luswa Luwemba, in the party’s selection for the Kawempe North parliamentary by-election.
Speaking at Ssegirinya’s 40-day Dua prayers in Butale village, Masaka, Nakajjumba expressed disappointment over NUP’s decision to deny Luswa the party ticket, describing him as the best candidate to continue her son’s unfinished work.
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“I feel deeply betrayed by NUP leaders. Luswa was my son’s closest ally and understood his vision. He should have been given the chance to carry on his legacy and complete his term,” she said.
Last month, NUP selected city lawyer Elias Luyimbazi Nalukoola as its flagbearer after a competitive process involving 10 aspirants. Luswa, who finished third, and other unsuccessful candidates have since chosen to contest as independents in the March 13 by-election.
Nakajjumba, supported by family members, urged Kawempe North voters to back Luswa, insisting he was the most suitable candidate to fulfill Segirinya’s goals for the constituency.
The Dua prayers, marking 40 days since Ssegirinya’s passing, were attended by family, friends, and political figures, including by-election candidates such as Nalukoola, Luswa, and Moses Nsereko. Notably, the prayers were held twice—once in the morning and again in the evening—an uncommon occurrence.
Several NUP officials, including Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya, Mityana MP Francis Zaake, and Masaka Mayor Florence Namayanja, attended the morning session.
Rubongoya dismissed claims that NUP had abandoned Ssegirinya’s children, stating that the party was supporting them along with many other families.
“As a party, we assist multiple families. We support over 280 children, including those of Ssegirinya. Today, Honorable Muwanga Kivumbi has donated one million shillings to fund the education of one of Ssegirinya’s children for a year,” Rubongoya said.
Nalukoola pledged to build on Ssegirinya’s legacy, including completing the hospital project he had started for the community.
Meanwhile, candidate Moses Nsereko acknowledged Ssegirinya’s remarkable achievements, admitting that filling his shoes would be a challenge.
“Ssegirinya was the only MP who fulfilled his entire manifesto within months of being elected. Realistically, none of us can match what he did,” Nsereko remarked.
Ssegirinya’s daughter, Shifra Naggirinya, expressed gratitude to those who had supported their family, while Masaka Mayor Florence Namayanja praised the late MP’s contributions to the community.
As the Kawempe North race heats up, NUP’s candidate selection has stirred further debate, adding another layer of contention to the by-election.
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