Ex-Ssegirinya aide Luwemba rejects NUP party line, joins Kawempe North race
Kawempe North MP wishful Muhammad Luwemba (red overall) gestures on February 4, 2025 in Kampala as he moved to submit his bid to contest for the opposition NUP party flagbearer ahead of a parliamentary by-election. PHOTO/MICHAEL KAKUMIRIZI
What you need to know:
- Although he is running as an independent, Luwemba insists he remains a committed NUP member and will uphold the party's principles.
With just 23 days to the highly anticipated Kawempe North by-election on March 13, the political landscape is shifting rapidly.
On February 17, Muhammad Lusswa Luwemba, the former personal assistant to the late Member of Parliament (MP) Muhammad Ssegirinya, announced his decision to contest as an independent candidate.
Luwemba's decision comes just days after the National Unity Platform (NUP) named Lawyer Erias Luyimbaazi Nalukoola as its flag bearer.
In the party's internal vetting process, Nalukoola won with 71.4%, while Luwemba finished third with 35.9%.
"During my consultations in the nine parishes of Kawempe North, residents urged me to contest. They warned that if I don't, they might end up voting for the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidate," Luwemba explained.
Although he is running as an independent, Luwemba insists he remains a committed NUP member and will uphold the party's principles.
"I am a great enemy of NRM. There has been a gap in proper representation for our people, and I have no choice but to contest. If I win, I will celebrate my victory at the NUP headquarters," he added.
However, Luwemba's move puts him at risk of disciplinary action. According to Article 5, Section 5(c) of the NUP constitution, a member can be expelled if they contest against the party’s official candidate.
NUP officially unveiled Nalukoola as its flag bearer on February 11, with runner-up Umar Magala (52.5%) and eight other candidates pledging to support him.
Luwemba now joins a growing list of candidates vying for the Kawempe North seat, including:
- Erias Luyimbaazi Nalukoola (NUP)
- Faridah Nambi (NRM)
- Sadat Mukiibi (FDC)
- Ismail Musiitwa (PPP)
Independents: Hanifah Karadi, Muhamood Mutazindwa, Twahira Akandinda Ssegirinya, and Fahad Kayondo
The Democratic Party (DP) is yet to choose between Shakirah Najuuka, Claudis Katumba, and John Bosco Mayinja
The by-election follows the death of Muhammad Ssegirinya, who passed away late last year while still serving as MP.
