Muhammad Luswa Luwemba, the former Personal Assistant to the late Muhammad Ssegirinya, has declared his intention to run as an independent candidate in the upcoming Kawempe North by-election.
Luswa believes he is the most qualified individual to succeed Ssegirinya, who tragically passed away on January 9, 2025.
He criticizes his party, the National Unity Platform (NUP), for denying him the party ticket and instead awarding it to Luyimbazi Elias Nalukoola. Luwemba argues that the NUP made a significant error by not selecting him, claiming he has a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by the people of Kawempe North.
“I know the struggles of Kawempe North better than anyone else in the race for the NUP ticket. Nalukoola, an elite, has no clue about the hardships the common people here face. After my party denied me the ticket, many wondered what I would do next. I can now confirm that I will stand as an independent, as I have the trust of the constituents.”Luwemba said.
In the race for the NUP ticket, Luswa finished third out of 10 candidates. Nalukoola secured first place with 71.4%, followed by Magala Umar with 52.8%, while Luwemba earned 35.9%.
Other political parties have also announced their candidates for the by-election. Faridah Nambi, the daughter of NRM Vice National Chairperson Moses Kigongo, is running for the ruling party, while Mukiibi Sadat, known as Kalifah Aganaga, represents the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC).
The by-election, set for March 13, 2025, comes after the passing of Muhammad Ssegirinya, who was still serving as MP when he died in December 2024.