By Leonard Kamugisha Akida
KAMPALA
Campaigns for the Kawempe North by-election have intensified, with various political camps adopting different strategies to mobilize voter support. With elections scheduled for next week, candidates are actively traversing the constituency, presenting their manifestos to the electorate. The streets of Kawempe are adorned with campaign posters on perimeter walls, electric poles, roadside kiosks, and shops—each carrying eye-catching slogans designed to persuade voters.
For the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) candidate, Sadat Mukiibi, popularly known as Kalifah Aganaga, campaigning has taken a unique turn. The renowned musician has blended creative arts with a direct, door-to-door approach, making personal connections with voters.
Over the past five days, Kalifah has been walking through the densely populated ghettos of Kyebando, Bwaise, and neighboring parishes, engaging voters in one-on-one discussions. His interactions have allowed him to identify community challenges while mobilizing support for his candidacy.
During his visits, residents raised concerns about poor solid waste disposal, youth unemployment, inadequate infrastructure, and limited access to essential social services such as healthcare, education, and markets.
“Residents are complaining about poverty, garbage mismanagement, arbitrary arrests of ghetto youth, the impounding of boda bodas by security personnel, and the mistreatment of women street vendors by KCCA officials,” Kalifah stated.
He believes that his manifesto directly addresses these issues and has urged the people of Kawempe to elect him for meaningful change. One of his key proposals is the establishment of skilling centers to equip youth with vocational, technical, and soft skills, empowering them economically.
Kalifah argues that such training centers would create employment opportunities for ghetto youth, reducing idleness and crime while fostering economic independence. Additionally, he has called for the abolition of garbage collection fees, proposing new waste management strategies to tackle the sanitation crisis in Kawempe and other urban areas.
Speaking to journalists during his campaign in Kyebando Parish on Tuesday, Kalifah explained why he prefers the door-to-door approach over traditional rallies.
“We chose door-to-door campaigns because they allow us to speak directly with voters. I don’t want to ferry people to playgrounds like other candidates do. Instead, we go where our voters live, listen to their concerns, and understand their struggles,” he emphasized.
Kalifah’s campaign has also gained the backing of top FDC leaders, with more expected to join him before the March 11 campaign deadline. His unique blend of music and grassroots mobilization has been described by political analysts as a game-changing strategy, positioning him as a strong contender in the by-election. Some observers believe his approach signals a new wave of change in Kawempe North, potentially solidifying the FDC’s influence in Central Buganda politics ahead of the 2026 general elections.
