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Makerere fresh graduate seeks to replace Ssegirinya

Dr Ismael Matovu (C), a fresh graduate from Makerere University with a bachelor's degree in medicine and surgery, launched his campaigns at Kyebando, on Friday, January 24,  2025. PHOTO | DAVID WALUGEMBE 

What you need to know:

  • The by-election has attracted a large number of candidates, with 14 individuals expressing interest in the Kawempe North MP seat

Kawempe North is bracing itself for a highly anticipated by-election following the untimely death of Muhammad Ssegirinya, the area's Member of Parliament, who passed away on January 9 at the age of 37.

The Electoral Commission (EC) has announced that preparations for the by-elections are underway, with a final program to be unveiled soon.

"We are operating within the constitutional mandate of 60 days; we shall unveil to you the final program," said Mr Julius Mucunguzi, EC Spokesperson. The EC's roadmap for the by-election is expected to outline the key milestones, including the nomination of candidates, campaigns, and the voting day.

The by-election has attracted a large number of candidates, with 14 individuals expressing interest in the Kawempe North MP seat. Among them is Dr Ismael Matovu, a fresh graduate from Makerere University with a degree in medicine and surgery. Matovu's focus is on reinstating community health standards, drainage system development, industrial development, financial literacy, and standard wage bill policy.

"The biggest challenge of Kawempe is unemployment. We need to advocate for policies for the social-economic transformation of our people," Matovu said. "I will advocate for the continued support of elderly, marginalised groups, and advocate for control on labour overexploitation where many people are paid less than what they have worked for."

He says he plans to work with different stakeholders, including the central government, Buganda, and civil society organisations, to ensure that every parish has a vocational institute. This, he believes, will enable the production of more job creators and solve the overwhelming levels of unemployment in the area.

"I will work in collaboration with different stakeholders to ensure every parish has a vocation institute to enable the producing of more job creators; this will solve the overwhelming levels of unemployment in our area," Mr Matovu said.

The candidates are from various political parties, including the National Unity Platform (NUP), National Resistance Movement (NRM), People's Front for Freedom (PFF), and People's Progressive Party (PPP). NUP has the highest number of candidates, with seven individuals expressing interest in the party's flag bearer position.

NUP Secretary-General, Mr  David Lewis Rubongoya said that the party welcomes all interested candidates and will vet them to select a flag bearer.

"We know all these people so far expressing interests; they are our members. It has no problem to come up and stand as we encourage more members to show interest," Lubongoya said.

The NUP candidates include; Umar Magala, Erias Luyimbazi Nalukoola, Mathias Mulumba, Alex Lusswa Luwemba, Salim Sserunkuuma, Dr. Ismael Matovu, and Saulo Kulya Zziwa. The NRM has five candidates, including Juliet Namale, Ali Moses Jjemba, George Mutumba Onesimus, Samuel Katabaazi Ssankala, and Hanifah Karadi, and Tom John Fisher Kasenge, who is the current NRM flag bearer.

The PFF has one candidate, Mr Mahamood Mutazindwa, while the PPP has Ismael Musitwa. Notably, the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) and the Democratic Party (DP) have not fielded any candidates.