Obote’s son breaks UPC legacy, goes independent in Kawempe North by-election

By Annet Nakanwagi,

KAMPALA

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The Electoral Commission has officially released the list of nominated candidates for the upcoming Kawempe North by-election, set to take place on March 13. The hotly contested race has attracted 10 candidates vying for the parliamentary seat and several others for the local government council positions.

Among the key contenders is Edward Stanley Maitum Engena, son of former Ugandan President Apollo Milton Obote, who has chosen to run as an independent candidate despite his family’s historical ties to the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC). His decision to contest outside the party has sparked political debate, with some viewing it as a break from tradition, while others see it as a strategic move to appeal to a broader voter base.

Parliamentary Race Candidates

The 10 candidates nominated for the Member of Parliament seat in Kawempe North include:

1. Mukiibi Sadat (FDC)

2. Luyimbazi Elias Nalukoola (NUP)

3. Luwemba Lusswa Muhammad (Independent)

4. Murerwa Hanifah Karadi (Independent)

5. Nsereko Moses (Independent)

6. Musiitwa Ismail (PPP)

7. Kasacca Henry Mubiru (DP)

8. Nambi Faridah Kigongo (NRM)

9. Mutazindwa Muhamood (Independent)

10. Engena Maitum Edward Stanley (Independent)

Stanley Edward Engena Maitum getting nominated.

Local Government Council Race – Kazo-Angola Ward

In addition to the MP contest, several candidates have been nominated for the Subcounty Directly Elected Councillor (SCDEC) position in Kazo-Angola Ward:

1. Ssetuba Habibah (NUP)

2. Birimumaiso David Muwanguzi (Independent)

3. Ssebuuma Bills Robert (Independent)

4. Sebunya Sharif (FDC)

5. Ssebugwa Tadeo (DP)

6. Ssemata Lawrence Masuuti (NRM)

7. Yiga Musa Ngobya (Independent)

8. Mulinda Hussein (Independent)

Competitive Political Landscape

The Kawempe North by-election follows the annulment of the 2021 election results due to irregularities. This constituency, historically a stronghold for opposition parties, will see a fierce battle as different political factions and independent candidates seek to secure victory.

FDC declaring musician Khalifah Aganaga as their flag bearer for Kawempe North by-election.

The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) has fielded Nambi Faridah Kigongo, while the National Unity Platform (NUP), which has a significant following in Kampala, is represented by Luyimbazi Elias Nalukoola. Meanwhile, Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) and Democratic Party (DP) have also put forward candidates, ensuring a diverse race.

Kawempe North MP seat fell vacant following the sudden death of their former MP, Muhammad Ssegirinya who died on January 9. The Electoral Commission announced March 13, as the date when voters in Kawempe will vote to choose their representative.

What’s Next?

With campaigns expected to intensify in the coming weeks, candidates will be looking to win over voters through rallies, debates, and community engagements. The Electoral Commission has assured the public of a free, fair, and transparent election process while urging candidates and supporters to maintain peace.

Stanley Edward Engena Maitum, son of former President Dr. Apollo Milton Obote was the last candidate to be nominated for Kawempe North by-election.

Voters in Kawempe North now have a crucial decision ahead as they prepare to elect their next Member of Parliament and local government representatives come to March 13.