The death of Muhammad Ssegirinya, the former MP for Kawempe North, has sparked a heated contest for his seat. Ssegirinya, who passed away on 9th January 2025, left behind a strong legacy, and now several politicians are eyeing the position.
This has caused tension within the National Unity Platform (NUP), his party, as multiple candidates from the same party have shown interest in replacing him.
Ssegirinya’s family has openly backed Alex Luwemba, his former personal assistant, as their choice to carry on his vision. However, other NUP members have also joined the race, creating fears of division within the party.
The Uganda Electoral Commission has confirmed that a by-election will be held to fill the vacant seat. According to the law, such elections must take place within 60 days after a parliamentary seat becomes vacant due to death or other reasons.
Nine candidates have expressed interest in running for the Kawempe North MP seat. They come from different political parties: four from NUP, three from the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), and one each from the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and People’s Front for Freedom (PFF). Here’s a summary of some of the main contenders:
– Alex Luwemba (NUP): At 27 years old, Luwemba worked closely with Ssegirinya as his personal assistant. He promises to continue his mentor’s work by supporting youth projects and vulnerable groups in Kawempe North. He also plans to expand initiatives like the “Seg Box” programme, which helps residents with financial and educational support.
– Umar Magala (NUP): Magala is NUP’s coordinator for Kawempe North and a professional teacher. He wants to revive community projects started by Ssegirinya, such as ambulance services and youth training programmes. Magala also plans to use his first salary as an MP to fund community development projects.
– Luyimbazi Nalukoola (NUP): A lawyer and human rights activist, Nalukoola aims to fight poverty and empower young people through skills training in areas like catering and tailoring. He also promises to push for better healthcare services and ensure government resources are used fairly in Kawempe North.
– Salif Sserunkuuma (NUP): Nicknamed “Mafu Mafu,” Sserunkuuma wants to tackle unemployment by working with industries to create jobs for young people. He also plans to improve sanitation and living conditions in the area.
– Muhammad Mutazindwa (PFF): A teacher by profession, Mutazindwa is passionate about education and currently provides bursaries to over 1,300 students through his school programmes. He promises to continue Ssegirinya’s projects while focusing on affordable education and job creation for young people.
– Juliet Namale (NRM): The only female candidate in the race, Namale is focused on helping women, children, and people with disabilities by improving their quality of life. She also wants to tackle urban health problems like air pollution and promote small businesses in Kawempe North through affordable loans.
– Jjemba Moses Ali (NRM): A former deputy district commissioner, Jjemba plans to improve service delivery through government programmes like Emyooga and the Parish Development Model (PDM). He says he will work for all residents regardless of their political affiliation.
– George Mutumba Onesmus (NRM): Currently serving as an LC3 Councillor for Kawempe I, Mutumba is focused on promoting peace and security while creating jobs for young people and empowering women in Kawempe North.
The Electoral Commission has not yet released a full roadmap for the by-election but has confirmed it will happen soon. Meanwhile, political parties are working to select their candidates ahead of what is expected to be a tough contest.
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