The Electoral Commission has today commenced the nomination of candidates for the position of Member of Parliament for the Kawempe North constituency.

The Kawempe North MP seat fell vacant following the death of then-area MP, Muhammad Ssegirinya.

Two candidates from the biggest political parties, the opposition National Unity (NUP) and the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), have defied their respective party positions and got nominated to contest as independent candidates. 

NUP’s Luwemba Lusswa Muhammed and NRM’s Hanifa Karadi Murerwa were not moved by threats and warnings issued by their respective parties that they would face disciplinary action, including suspension from the party, if they stood as independent candidates. 

The NUP-backed lawyer, Erias Nalukoola Luyimbazi, was also nominated today while the NRM flag was handed to Faridah Nambi, the daughter of the party’s National Vice Chairman, Hajj Moses Kigongo.

Recently, Luwemba argued that he deserved the party flag on the grounds that he was Ssegirinya’s personal assistant, a view his party rejected.

The NUP organized a debate for all aspiring candidates, from which Nalukoola was chosen as the party flag bearer, having defeated other contenders.

Following the decision of the party, Luwemba announced that he would contest as an independent candidate, emphasizing that he was not leaving the party.

In the NRM camp, Karadi challenged Nambi’s endorsement, saying that the nomination process was fraudulent, adding that it was not free and fair.

Karadi noted that Nambi was favored for being Kigongo’s daughter.

“Some of us are loyal cadres; we have been there for the party. It is unfortunate that the leaders of the party from the secretariat are breeding what they call independence because of the unfair processes. I therefore declare my candidacy. When the time comes for the Electoral Commission, I will come as an independent,” Karadi said after she was denied the party flag.

However, Nambi dismissed Karadi’s claims that the nomination was not free and fair.

“If there is anybody who has a voice contrary to what the secretariat, the [NRM] Electoral Commission, and the security came upon; in the house, there is already a committee that has been established to hear their voices, and we know that NRM, as a part, has various opportunities to give to our people,” she said.

The Kawempe North MP by-election will be held on March 13, 2025.