By Zawadi Nanyonga and Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KAMPALA
The Democratic Party (DP) has officially endorsed Henry Kasakya Mubiru as its flag bearer in the upcoming Kawempe North by-election. The announcement was made this afternoon by DP Electoral Commission chairperson Kennedy Mutenywa at the party’s national mobilization headquarters on Balintuma Road, Rubaga.
Kasakya’s endorsement sets the stage for what is expected to be a fierce contest, described by DP party president Hon. Nobert Mao as a battle between “brain soldiers” and “foot soldiers.” The phrase highlights the contrast between DP candidate who is relying on intellectual strategy and those who mobilizing grassroots supporters to win votes, particularly the NUP candidate, Counsel Elias Nalukoola Luyimbazi.
Speaking at the unveiling, Mutenywa expressed confidence in Kasakya’s ability to reclaim the seat for DP, citing his leadership skills and commitment to the party’s values.
“We believe Kasakya embodies the principles of the Democratic Party and has what it takes to bring meaningful representation to the people of Kawempe North,” he said.
Kasakya vowed to focus on issues affecting Kawempe North residents, including youth unemployment, poor infrastructure, poor service delivery, and security concerns.
“This by-election is not about rewarding people, it’s about putting this country back on track, it’s about service delivery. This election is about the people and their future,” Kasakya said
The race for the Kawempe North seat has attracted significant attention, following the recent selection of city lawyer Luyimbazi Nalukoola – National Unity Platform (NUP) Hajjati Nambi Faridah National Resistance Movement (NRM), Sadat Mukiibi aka Khalifah Aganaga – Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), Alex Lusswa Luwemba (Indep), among others.
The by-election follows the death of former MP Muhammad Ssegirinya on January 9, 2025. The Electoral Commission has scheduled the nomination of candidates for February 26 and 27, with polling set for March 13, 2025.
With the DP’s endorsement of Kasakya, the campaign season is set to intensify as parties strategize to win over voters in one of Kampala’s most politically active constituencies.
The DP president Nobert Mao said Kasakya as a suitable candidate for the Kawempe North by-election, urging voters to elect someone who will effectively present their concerns in parliament.
“If you want comedy, you can always vote comedians, but I think we have had enough comedians already in parliament. Sending another one won’t add value. Let’s choose someone who is not only grounded with our philosophy as DP but also the politics of Uganda and has the stability to represent our party,” Mao said.
“We need someone who can stand up and explain matters from a point of view of knowledge,” Mao emphasized saying that Kasakya is a tasted candidate for Kawempe North by-election.
