The Kawempe North Constituency byelection, slated for March 13, 2025, follows the untimely death of incumbent MP Muhammad Ssegirinya on January 9, 2025. With nominations concluded on February 27, 2025, nine candidates—representing major political parties and independents—are vying for this urban Kampala seat.
As the campaign period kicks off on February 28, 2025, and runs until March 11, 2025, the race promises to be a litmus test for opposition strength, ruling party resilience, and independent ambition in a historically contentious constituency. This article provides a detailed analysis of each candidate’s background, platform, and the evolving voter sentiments shaping this pivotal contest.
Background of the Contestants
The nine candidates bring diverse experiences and affiliations to the race, reflecting Kawempe North’s complex political landscape. Below is an in-depth look at their profiles:
1. Murerwa Hanifa Karadi (Independent, Symbol: Clock)
Profile: Nominated on February 26, 2025, as the first candidate, Karadi is an independent who initially leaned toward NRM but opted to run solo after Faridah Nambi Kigongo secured the NRM ticket. Her background is not extensively detailed, but her early nomination suggests organizational readiness.
Platform: Karadi emphasizes timely delivery of government services, symbolized by her clock emblem, promising diligent representation and a share of national resources for Kawempe.
User Views/Voter Sentiment: Limited specific feedback exists as of now, but her NRM ties may appeal to government supporters, while her independent run could attract voters disillusioned with party politics. Her early nomination garnered attention, with some seeing her as a proactive contender.
Notability: Notable as the first nominated candidate, her defiance of NRM’s choice adds intrigue. Her visibility stems from this bold move and the clock symbol’s resonance with calls for change.
2. Luwemba Lusswa Muhammed (Independent, Symbol: Radio)
Profile: Nominated on February 26, 2025, as the second candidate, Luwemba was Ssegirinya’s former personal assistant. He lost the NUP ticket to Nalukoola and announced his independent bid on February 17, 2025.
Platform: Luwemba aims to continue Ssegirinya’s legacy, focusing on local needs like infrastructure and community welfare, leveraging his insider perspective.
User Views/Voter Sentiment: Likely to draw sympathy from Ssegirinya loyalists due to his close association. His radio symbol suggests a focus on communication, potentially resonating with grassroots voters. No widespread user opinions are documented yet, but his independent stance may split NUP’s base.
Notability: Known for his ties to Ssegirinya, enhancing his local recognition. His shift to independence and early nomination amplify his profile in a crowded field.
3. Luyimbazi Elias Nalukoola (NUP)
Profile: Nominated on February 26, 2025, as the third candidate on Day 1, Nalukoola is a lawyer endorsed by NUP on February 11, 2025, backed by party leader Bobi Wine. He represents NUP’s bid to retain its stronghold.
Platform: Nalukoola pledges to serve Kawempe while challenging the government, emphasizing youth empowerment and grassroots advocacy.
User Views/Voter Sentiment: Seen as the front-runner due to NUP’s dominance and Ssegirinya’s legacy. His arrest post-nomination has sparked outrage among supporters on X, framing him as a target of suppression, potentially boosting sympathy. Critics may question his ability to match Ssegirinya’s populism.
Notability: High-profile due to NUP backing, his arrest, and the abduction of his agent, Charles Sserubiri, during nomination. These incidents have made him a focal point of controversy and attention.
4. Mukiibi Sadat (FDC)
Profile: Nominated on February 26, 2025, as the fourth candidate on Day 1, Mukiibi, aka Khalifa Aganaga, is a singer turned politician unveiled by FDC on February 5, 2025. He brings celebrity appeal to the race.
Platform: Targets drainage issues, youth empowerment, and copyright law support, addressing practical urban concerns.
User Views/Voter Sentiment: His celebrity status may attract younger voters, with some on X intrigued by his shift to politics. Skeptics question his experience, but his drainage focus could win practical-minded support. Specific sentiments are still emerging.
Notability: Stands out as a well-known entertainer, with his FDC endorsement and issue-based campaign adding credibility. His visibility predates the election due to his music career.
5. Nsereko Moses (Independent, Symbol: Chair)
Profile: Nominated on February 27, 2025, as the first candidate on Day 2, Nsereko is a businessman who lost the NUP ticket and collapsed in tears during Nalukoola’s announcement on February 11, 2025.
Platform: Likely focuses on local issues, though specifics are scarce, driven by personal commitment to Kawempe.
User Views/Voter Sentiment: His emotional reaction has elicited mixed responses—sympathy from some, skepticism from others about his resilience. Without party support, his appeal may be niche, possibly to NUP defectors or local loyalists.
Notability: Gained attention from his dramatic collapse, making him a memorable figure. His chair symbol suggests stability, but his profile hinges on this singular event so far.
6. Musiitwa Ismail (PPP)
Nominated on February 27, 2025, as the second candidate on Day 2, Musiitwa represents the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), a smaller opposition group, bringing the total to six at that point.
7. Mutazindwa Muhamood (Independent, Symbol: Bicycle)
Profile: Nominated on February 27, 2025, as the seventh candidate, Mutazindwa is an independent. Running initially in 2021 general election on FDC ticket where he lost to Ssegirinya. He belongs to the FDC faction of Katonga “PPF”. He is the only candidate returning to the by-election.
8. Kasacca Henry Mubiru (DP)
Nominated on February 27, 2025, as the eighth candidate, Mubiru is DP’s flag-bearer, endorsed on February 18, 2025. He’s an experienced leader with roles like Executive Director of Dialogue and Democracy and former DP Youth Chairman. He Advocates ending boda-boda oppression, corruption, and governance issues, calling for opposition unity and accountability.
9. Faridah Nambi Kigongo (NRM)
Nominated on February 27, 2025, as the ninth candidate, Nambi is the daughter of NRM’s Hajj Moses Kigongo, uniting NRM aspirants after internal rivalry. She highlights programs to solve Kawempe’s issues, arguing NRM lobbying power ensures impact, focusing on stability and development. Many she her touting NRM’s influence, which may sway government loyalists. Urban opposition sentiment, however, limits her appeal, with some dismissing her as an elite pick. Her family tie is a double-edged sword—credibility vs. nepotism critiques.
10. Edward Stanley Maitum Engena (Independent)
Edward Stanley Maitum Engena, son of Uganda’s late former President Apollo Milton Obote, is running as an independent candidate in the Kawempe North parliamentary by-election, nominated on February 27, 2025, following the death of Muhammad Ssegirinya. At 58, Engena carries a legacy tied to the UPC but has distanced himself from the party—now led by his brother Jimmy Akena—opting for an independent bid that may appeal beyond traditional loyalties in this opposition-leaning urban constituency. His past includes an unsuccessful 2016 presidential run and a poor showing in the Apac Municipality race, where he polled just 99 votes, hinting at challenges in rallying support despite his notable heritage. Facing strong contenders from NUP, FDC, NRM, and other independents, Engena’s eclectic background as a former bishop and exile-raised politician could either distinguish him or underscore his struggle to connect with voters in a competitive race.
Historical Context and Voting Patterns
Kawempe North has long been an opposition stronghold. In 2021, NUP’s Ssegirinya won with 41,197 votes, dwarfing independent Sulaiman Kidandala (7,512 votes) and NRM’s Tom Johnfisher Kasenge (6,946 votes). In 2016, FDC’s Abdulatif Sengendo secured 22,325 votes, ahead of another FDC candidate and NRM’s John Andrew Kyambadde (13,689 votes). NRM’s last victory here was in 1996, underscoring its struggle in urban Kampala, where anti-government sentiment runs high.
Voter Sentiments and Key Issues
As of February 27, 2025, with campaigns yet to begin, voter opinions are still coalescing. However, several dynamics and local issues are likely to shape the race:
- NUP’s Edge: Nalukoola benefits from NUP’s organizational strength and Ssegirinya’s legacy, with Kyagulanyi targeting a 90% vote share. His arrest, however, could galvanize supporters or alienate undecided voters if perceived as persecution.
- NRM’s Challenge: Faridah Nambi’s family ties and NRM’s resources offer an advantage, but historical opposition dominance and dissatisfaction with Museveni’s 39-year rule make her an underdog. Voters valuing stability might lean her way, though urban skepticism persists.
- FDC’s Appeal: Mukiibi’s celebrity status and focus on drainage—a tangible issue in Kawempe—could attract younger voters, though his political noviceship raises doubts.
- Independents’ Role: Luwemba’s connection to Ssegirinya and Nsereko’s emotional narrative might draw sympathy votes, but independents typically struggle without party machinery. Namiiro and Rashidah Nambi lack visibility, limiting their impact.
- DP and UFA: Segayi and Kayondo represent parties with niche bases, but their weaker urban presence suggests minimal traction against NUP, NRM, and FDC.
- Local Concerns: Drainage, infrastructure, and youth unemployment dominate Kawempe North’s urban challenges. Candidates addressing these effectively could sway undecided voters.
Recent Developments and Predictions
The race has already seen drama: Nalukoola’s arrest, Kayondo’s nomination dispute, and internal party rifts (e.g., NRM’s Karadi running independently) signal a contentious campaign ahead. The Electoral Commission’s 197 polling stations, potentially increasing, will facilitate voting, though byelection turnout is often lower than in general elections.
NUP’s Nalukoola appears the front-runner, buoyed by historical trends and party loyalty, but FDC’s Mukiibi and NRM’s Nambi could mount challenges if they capitalize on local issues and voter fatigue with opposition fragmentation. Independents may split votes, potentially benefiting the leading party. The next two weeks of campaigning will be decisive, with turnout and last-minute developments—such as Nalukoola’s legal fate—shaping the March 13 outcome.
The Kawempe North byelection is more than a local contest; it’s a microcosm of Uganda’s political fault lines—opposition resilience, ruling party ambition, and the wildcard of independent voices. As candidates hit the campaign trail, voters will weigh party allegiance against practical solutions, with NUP holding the pole position but no outcome guaranteed in this dynamic race.
