In a dramatic twist that has set the political stage ablaze, Muhammad Lusswa Luwemba, the former right-hand man of the late Kawempe North MP Muhammad Ssegirinya, has thrown his hat into the ring as an independent candidate for the upcoming by-election. This bold move comes after Luwemba was snubbed by the National Unity Platform (NUP), which instead handed its coveted ticket to city lawyer Elias Luyimbaazi Nalukoola. 

But Luwemba isn’t backing down. In a fiery address to his supporters, he made it clear that the people of Kawempe North are his top priority. “Wherever I go, the people ask me what’s next. They’ve told me the party president made a mistake,” Luwemba declared, his voice echoing the frustration of many constituents. “I’ve walked every parish, and the message is clear: Kawempe North deserves better.”

A Political Rebellion with a Purpose 

Despite running as an independent, Luwemba remains steadfast in his loyalty to NUP. However, he insists that his decision to break ranks is a necessary step to protect the interests of Kawempe North. “I am still a member of NUP, but for the good of the people, I must liberate this constituency from the grip of the National Resistance Movement. Kawempe North is not for sale!” he proclaimed, drawing cheers from the crowd.

The by-election, set for March 13, has become a battleground for political supremacy in the wake of the tragic passing of Muhammad Ssegirinya on January 9. Ssegirinya, who secured the constituency for NUP in the 2021 general election, left behind a legacy that has made Kawempe North a stronghold for the opposition party. Now, the race to fill his shoes is heating up, with Luwemba’s independent bid adding a layer of intrigue and unpredictability.

NUP’s Controversial Endorsement  

NUP’s decision to endorse Nalukoola has not been without controversy. Reports suggest that Luwemba went to extraordinary lengths to secure the party’s nod, even changing his name and religion in a bid to align with the party’s preferences. Yet, despite his efforts, the party opted for Nalukoola, leaving Luwemba to chart his own course.

This decision has divided the electorate, with many residents questioning whether NUP has chosen the right candidate to carry on Ssegirinya’s legacy. Luwemba’s grassroots appeal and deep connection to the community have positioned him as a formidable contender, capable of disrupting NUP’s dominance in the constituency.

A High-Stakes Showdown  

With the by-election just weeks away, the political landscape in Kawempe North is more volatile than ever. Luwemba’s independent campaign has injected fresh energy into the race, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown that could redefine the future of the constituency. Will NUP’s endorsement of Nalukoola hold strong, or will Luwemba’s grassroots momentum prove unstoppable?

One thing is certain: the people of Kawempe North are watching closely, and their votes will send a powerful message about the direction they want their constituency to take. As the campaign intensifies, all eyes are on Luwemba and his quest to reclaim Kawempe North for the people.

Why This By-Election Matters  

The Kawempe North by-election isn’t just a local contest—it’s a microcosm of Uganda’s broader political dynamics. It’s a test of NUP’s ability to maintain its stronghold, a reflection of the growing influence of independent candidates, and a reminder of the power of grassroots movements in shaping the future of democracy.

Stay tuned as the drama unfolds. Will Muhammad Lusswa Luwemba emerge as the people’s champion, or will NUP’s machinery prevail? The countdown to March 13 is on, and the stakes have never been higher!