Kawempe North by-election: NUP holds maiden debate for MP flagbearer aspirants
Some of the aspirants for NUP flagbearer in the Kawempe North by-election attend their debate at the opposition party's headquarters in Kampala on February 7, 2025. PHOTO/DAVID WALUGEMBE
What you need to know:
- The final NUP flagbearer, to be announced on February 11, will join a growing list of candidates in the Kawempe North by-election.
With just over a month to the Kawempe North by-election, the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) has taken a unique approach to selecting its flagbearer by organizing a candidate debate—a first for the party.
The debate, held February 7, was chaired by lawyer Andrew Karamagi and Dr. Judith Nalukwago and aimed at assessing the competence, policy understanding, and legislative capacity of the ten aspirants vying for the NUP ticket.
The aspirants who participated in the debate aired on some local televisions like Spark TV included: Umar Magala, Muhammad Lusswa Luwemba, Erias Luyimbazi Nalukoola, Mathias Mulumba, Moses Nsereko, Salim Sserunkuuma, Fredrick Katika, Charles Rubagumya, Kenneth Ssekungu and Saul Kulya Zziwa.
While the debate was intended to showcase the candidates' grasp of parliamentary roles and governance, it quickly took a different turn. Nearly half of the aspirants struggled to articulate themselves in English, while one candidate, Moses Nsereko, turned his session into a comedy performance, drawing laughter from the audience instead of delivering substantive policy proposals.
Speaking after the debate, NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu defended the process, emphasizing that the party is committed to transparency in candidate selection.
"NUP is a young political party, but we believe this is how parties should function—through a transparent process that allows the public to assess candidates, rather than making arbitrary selections," Kyagulanyi stated.
How NUP Will Select Its Flagbearer
The party has outlined a three-step process to determine the final flagbearer:
1. Debate Performance (25%) – Candidates evaluated based on their articulation, understanding of parliamentary roles, and policy positions.
2. Vetting Process (25%) – A vetting committee assessed the candidates on February 6.
3. Constituency Consultations (50%) – NUP has deployed teams to gather feedback from voters in Kawempe North on each aspirant’s suitability.
"Our teams are in the constituency, consulting different sections of voters about all candidates. This consultation will contribute 50 percent to the final decision," NUP Secretary-General David Lewis Rubongoya explained.
NRM’s Flagbearer Sparks Divisions
NUP’s approach stands in contrast to the ruling National Resistance Movement’s selection process, which saw the ruling party directly endorse Faridah Nambi as its flagbearer.
This decision, made just three days after Electoral Commission Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama declared the seat vacant, has reportedly caused internal divisions within the NRM. Hanifah Karadi, who had hoped for the NRM ticket, has since declared her candidacy as an independent.
Who’s in the Race?
The final NUP flagbearer, to be announced on February 11, will join a growing list of candidates in the Kawempe North by-election, including:
• Faridah Nambi (NRM)
• Sadat Mukiibi a.k.a Khalifah Aganaga (FDC)
• Musiitwa Ismail (People’s Progressive Party - PPP)
• Hanifah Karadi (Independent, former NRM)
• Muhamood Mutazindwa (Independent)
• Twahira Akabdinda Ssegirinya (Independent, widow of the late MP Muhammad Ssegirinya)
As the race intensifies, all eyes remain on NUP’s final decision, with party supporters eager to see who will carry the party’s flag into the March 12 by-election.
