Lawyer Erias Luyimbazi Nalukoola has officially been declared by the National Unity Platform (NUP) as the flagbearer for the upcoming Kawempe North parliamentary by-election. The seat became vacant following the death of MP Muhammad Ssegirinya on January 9, 2025.
Mr. Nalukoola, a seasoned lawyer and former member of the Democratic Party (DP), expressed his gratitude to NUP during an address at the party’s headquarters in Makerere Kavule, Kampala. He emphasized his loyalty to NUP, stating, “I am a loyal member of the National Unity Platform whose affiliation should not be put to the question.”
The selection process involved a vetting committee assessment, a candidate debate, and consultations within the constituency. According to NUP’s Secretary-General, David Lewis Rubongoya, the vetting process accounted for 40% of the evaluation, the debate contributed 10%, and ground visibility and mobilization made up the remaining 50%. Mr. Nalukoola emerged as the preferred candidate, securing 71% in the final assessment.
The by-election is scheduled for March 12, 2025. NUP’s leadership has called for unity among its members, acknowledging that while many had their preferred candidates, only one could be selected to represent the party. The party aims to retain the Kawempe North seat, which has been an opposition stronghold.
Other parties have also declared their candidates for the by-election. The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) has nominated Ms. Faridah Nambi as its flagbearer. The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has unveiled musician Sadat Mukiibi, popularly known as Khalifah Aganaga, as their candidate.
The Kawempe North by-election is anticipated to be a closely contested race, with multiple candidates vying to represent the constituency in Parliament.
