2021 polls: Three nominated for Kampala Lord Mayor seat

The Electoral Commission (EC) yesterday nominated three candidates for Kampala Lord Mayor seat ahead of the 2021 polls.
Among those who were duly nominated is the incumbent Erias Lukwago, who is representing the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party.
Others include the National Unity Party’s flag bearer, Nabilah Naggayi Ssempala and Joseph Mayanja, aka Jose Chameleon, who was nominated as an Independent candidate after losing the NUP flag.
Chaos, teargas and running battles between police and supporters of the three candidates marred yesterday’s exercise in Wandegeya, Ntinda and Nakulabye suburbs in Kampala, among others.

Mr Lukwago told the media after his nomination that they are confused on how they will conduct their campaigns.
“I am now a duly nominated candidates and I am legally permitted to interface with my voters. What I am not sure about is how we are going to conducts these campaigns. 

“The EC should come out and tell us how many people should be on our campaigns and whether we should conduct meetings from our homes, town halls or play grounds,” Mr Lukwago said. 
He, however, condemned the police brutality that was meted out on his supporters, saying the tear gas that was used to disperse his big procession was uncalled for.  Mr Lukwago said his third term will focus more on social justice and equity for all city dwellers, building a vibrant institution in line with the Kampala Capital City Authority’s (KCCA) vision and mission. 
 
Mr Mayanja said he was denied a NUP card so he decided to come as an Independent because he did not want to frustrate the will of the people who have asked him to contest.  NUP chose Latif Ssebaggala who later withdrew from the race. They later picked Ms Nabilah to represent them in the race for Lord Mayor.
“I am still a NUP member much as the party has decided someone else to contest for the same position. I decided to defy the party to come as an Independent after I was denied a card for NUP…,” Mr Mayanja said.
“The city is not looking for an Opposition leader. It needs a capable leader who will be able to promote development and come up with strategies to create jobs for the youths,” he added.
Ms Nabilah said she knows all the challenges facing the city dwellers and she is ready to address them.

“The lord mayor should be a focal point and coordinator between the technical people, political people and the city dwellers. I am going to continue the work I have been doing for the last 15 years,” Ms Nabilah said.
The deadline for nominations of local government candidates ends today at various regional electoral offices.
The lord mayor candidate for the ruling National Resistance Movement party Daniel Kazibwe, aka Ragga Dee, is expected to be nominated today.