By Leonard Kamugisha Akida and Mutesi Phionah Uwase,
KAMPALA
The National Resistance Movement (NRM) has endorsed Hajjati Nambi Faridah, daughter of party’s 1st national vice chairman, Al-hajji Moses Kigongo as its flag bearer for the upcoming Kawempe North by-election.
The announcement was made by NRM Electoral Commission chairperson, Dr. Tanya Odoi, at Makerere on Wednesday evening.
Initially, six aspirants had expressed interest in holding the NRM flag for the by-election. However, following a party consensus meeting, four of them agreed to rally behind Hajjati Nambi Faridah. Juliet Namale, one of the aspirants, opposed the decision and declared that she would contest as an independent candidate.
The Kawempe North parliamentary seat fell vacant following the death of former MP Muhammad Ssegirinya, who passed away at Rubaga Hospital on January 9.
The Electoral Commission (EC) has already released the roadmap for the by-election, with key dates as follows:
- Nominations: February 26–27, 2025
- Campaigns: February 28–March 11, 2025
- Polling Day: March 13, 2025
During this period, the EC will also conduct elections to fill the vacant Kazo-Angola Division Councilor position.
Other political parties, including the Democratic Party (DP), National Unity Platform (NUP), and Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), have stated that they will soon unveil their candidates.
Reports indicate that over eight aspirants have expressed interest in contesting for the Kawempe North seat under the NUP ticket.
Mercy Walukamba, the chairperson of NUP’s Elections Management Committee, confirmed that the party is still receiving expressions of interest from potential candidates. She added that NUP will announce its flag bearer after a thorough verification process on February 5.
