The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has officially endorsed artist Sadat Mukiibi, popularly known as Kalifah Aganaga, as their candidate for the upcoming Kawempe North Parliamentary by-election.
On Wednesday, the party revealed their support by sharing Aganaga’s campaign poster on X (formerly Twitter).
The Kawempe North seat became vacant after the death of Muhammad Ssegirinya, who passed away last month at Lubaga Hospital.
The Electoral Commission (EC) has scheduled the polling day for March 13, 2025, with the campaign period running from February 28 to March 11.
This marks Aganaga’s second attempt at a parliamentary seat. In 2021, he sought the National Unity Platform (NUP) nomination for Rubaga South but was passed over in favor of current MP Aloysius Mukasa.
At the FDC headquarters in Najjanankumbi, Robert Centenary, FDC’s deputy president for Western Uganda, defended the choice to endorse Aganaga, praising the artist’s personal conduct and academic qualifications.
“The few hours I spent with Mukiibi Sadat impressed me—his conduct, his academic credentials. Sometimes we judge people by their appearance, but I believe he is an inspiration to young people,” Centenary said, emphasizing that FDC is known for nurturing leaders.
Following Kalifah Aganaga’s endorsement, reactions on social media have been varied, with some expressing support while others have ridiculed the decision.
Some notable responses on X:
Engineer Faisal wrote, “So it’s true… FDC has fronted Kalifah Aganaga as their flagbearer in the by-election to replace NUP’s late Ssegirinya… I will wipe out the opposition by the 2026 elections. Do you still think M7 was lying when he said this in 2020?”
Sotrixbax questioned Aganaga’s qualifications: “So we have to assume that FDC had no competent candidate to stand in Kawempe North, and Aganaga emerged as the sole option. This is the same party that organized the successful Walk to Work campaign.”
Janet Ithungu commented, “Every party is fighting to have a musician on its side. Mpuuga went with Alien, now FDC.”
Barnabasi Nasasira defended Aganaga, stating, “He isn’t the first artist to contest. We saw that in 2017. Khalifah is qualified—he’s actually one of the most educated artists.”
BroneKing echoed this sentiment, adding, “He is Ugandan and has every right to contest in any political position as long as he has the right qualifications.”
Joseph Mbaziira criticized the move, saying, “You have degraded too low. I can imagine the pain Col. Kiiza Besigye must feel for all the sacrifices he made to build this party. Now look.”
Mark Nasasira raised concerns, asking, “If we don’t act now, musicians are going to become extinct because of politicians!!! What is happening?”
The endorsement has sparked a debate among netizens, with some supporting Aganaga’s candidacy, while others question the party’s choice in light of its history and reputation.
