By Jako David Waluluka
The National Unity Platform (NUP), Uganda’s leading opposition party, has extended an invitation to its members to express interest in vying for the party’s flag bearer positions in the upcoming Kawempe North parliamentary and Kazo-Angola Ward L.C. 3 councillor by-elections. These seats hold special significance for the NUP, as they were previously occupied by the party’s own members.
As the NUP gears up for the by-elections, this call for interested candidates marks a crucial step in the party’s efforts to reclaim these strategic seats. The move also underscores the NUP’s commitment to promoting internal democracy and providing opportunities for its members to participate in the electoral process.
The Kawempe North parliamentary seat, in particular, has been a focal point of attention, given its history of being a stronghold for the NUP. The party’s decision to invite interested candidates to come forward is likely to spark a competitive process, as aspiring politicians vie for the chance to represent the NUP in the upcoming by-elections.
The National Unity Platform (NUP) has announced that it’s accepting applications from qualified members for the Kawempe North parliamentary and Kazo-Angola Ward L.C. 3 councillor by-elections. Mercy Walukamba, Chairperson of the Election Management Committee (EMC), made the call on January 28, 2025.
Interested applicants can submit their applications at the NUP headquarters in Makerere-Kavule, which was officially inaugurated on November 3, 2023. The application window is open from Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at 9:00 am to Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at 12:00 noon.
This development comes as the NUP seeks to reclaim the Kawempe North parliamentary seat, which was previously held by the late Hon. Muhammad Ssegirinya. The party’s decision to invite qualified members to apply demonstrates its commitment to internal democracy and providing opportunities for its members to participate in the electoral process.
The Kawempe North constituency parliamentary seat is up for grabs, and the competition is fierce! Over ten aspirants have expressed interest in filling the seat left vacant by the late Muhammad Ssegirinya, who passed away on January 9, 2025, after a long illness.
To participate in the by-election, candidates must submit required documents, including a party membership card, national ID, curriculum vitae, and certified academic qualifications.
Some notable aspirants include Moses Ali Jjemba, an NRM member; Erias Luyimbaazi Nalukoola, a prominent lawyer seeking the NUP ticket; and Salim Serunkuuma, a businessman and former candidate.
The Electoral Commission has set March 13, 2025, as the date for the by-election, with nominations scheduled for February 26-27, 2025. The campaign period will run from February 28 to March 11, 2025.
With the election looming, the Kawempe North constituency is abuzz with activity. The NUP, which previously held the seat, is expected to face stiff competition from the NRM and other parties.
The Kawempe North parliamentary seat by-election is heating up, with the National Resistance Movement Organization (NRMO) and the Democratic Party (DP) making key moves. Salim Uhuru, the NRMO’s Kampala central leader, has announced that the party won’t hold primaries for the seat, instead promising a swift decision on their candidate.
Meanwhile, the DP has confirmed that it will field a candidate for the by-election, seeking to capitalize on the void left by the late Muhammad Ssegirinya. The Electoral Commission has set March 13, 2025, as the polling date for the highly anticipated by-election.
As the competition intensifies, the National Unity Platform (NUP) is also gearing up for the by-election. The party has invited interested members to apply for the position, with the application window open from January 29 to February 4, 2025. Required documents include a party membership card, national ID, curriculum vitae, and certified academic qualifications
The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) has announced it will not hold internal primaries to select its candidate for the upcoming Kawempe North by-election.
This decision was revealed by the NRM chairman for Kampala, who also serves as the Kampala Division Mayor, Salim Uhuru. Uhuru explained that the party chairperson and President Museveni, directed party officials to ensure that only one NRM candidate is fronted.
The directive aims to prevent internal disagreements that often lead to party members running as independents, a scenario the NRM believes has cost them several seats in past elections.
The Kawempe North constituency parliamentary seat, vacant since the passing of Hon. Muhammad Ssegirinya on January 9, 2025, has attracted over 10 aspirants. Here’s a breakdown of the contenders:
NUP Aspirants:
– Elias Luyimbaazi Nalukoola
– Umar Magala
– Muhamood Mutazindwa
– Kulya Soul Zziwa
NRM Party Aspirants:
– Tom Fisher Kasenge
-Hajjat Hanifah M. Karadi
– Juliet Namale
– Moses Ali Jjemba
Independent/Other Aspirants:
– Salim Serunkuuma: A businessman and former candidate.
– Mathias Mulumba: The LC1 chairman of Corner Zone, also known as Kikumi Kya Doola.
– Onemus Mutumba
– Alex Luwemba: The former aide to the late Hon. Ssegirinya.
The Electoral Commission has set March 13, 2025, as the polling date for the by-election, with nominations scheduled for February 26-27, 2025 ¹. The Kawempe North constituency comprises nine parishes, including Kawempe I, Bwaise I, Kazo-Angola, Kawempe II, Kanyanya, Kyebando, Kikaaya, Komamboga, and Mpererwe.
