By Izidoro Twinamasiko,
KAMPALA
There is a growing conflict of interest in the National Unity Platform (NUP) as party members interested vying for Kawempe North by-election start increase day and night.
On Tuesday, the party’s Election Management Committee chairperson, Mercy Walukamba announced that members willing to express interest in carrying the party flag for Kawempe North member of parliament, and Division Councilor for Kazo – Angola ward should do so effective Wednesday 29th January, 2025 to Tuesday 4th February,2025.
“Interested members are required to submit written application at the party headquarters in Makerere-Kavule. All candidates should attach a copy of their party membership card, National ID, curriculum vitae and certified copies of academic qualifications,” Walukamba said.
This follows the death of Kawempe North MP Hon. Muhammad Ssegirinya on January 9, 2025, and the Electoral Commission’s (EC) announcement of March 13, 2025, as the polling date for the by-election.
The Electoral Commission, led by Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama, has already begun updating the National Voters’ Register for Kawempe North, a process that started on January 27 and is set to conclude on January 31, 2025. This exercise is part of the preparations for the by-election, which was formally triggered when the Clerk to Parliament, Adolf Mwesige, notified the EC of the vacancy on January 15, 2025, in accordance with Article 81(2) of the Constitution. Section 3(1) of the Parliamentary Elections Act, 2005, mandates that a by-election be held within 60 days of a parliamentary seat becoming vacant.
Several candidates have already shown interest in replacing the late Hon. Ssegirinya on NUP ticket, including his former personal assistant, Alex Luwemba. Others are Counsel Eria Nalukoola, Kulya Saulo, Nusifa Nakato and Magala Umar among others.
NUP’s internal nomination process and preparations for selecting a suitable candidate are underway. However, insiders reveal growing divisions within the party, with some leaders—including members of the EMC—allegedly favoring a specific candidate while showing bias against others. Unverified reports also suggest an ongoing covert auctioning of the party card for the Kawempe North MP flag bearer, a move seemingly aimed at sidelining certain aspirants.
An insider, speaking on condition of anonymity, claimed this strategy is intended to expose candidates driven by greed, which contradicts the party’s values. The source added that the party is employing various tactics to identify and eliminate individuals seeking political positions for personal gain.
The party is expected to announce successfully nominated candidates on February 5.
