By Frank Kamuntu
The Kawempe North parliamentary seat has become one of the most contested in recent memory, attracting more than ten aspirants after the seat fell vacant following the death of the area’s sitting Member of Parliament, Muhammad Ssegirinya, earlier this month. With the race heating up, candidates from various political parties and backgrounds are positioning themselves to take on the mantle and represent the constituency.
Among the aspirants are Moses Ali Jjemba, a strong supporter of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and a resident of Mbogo Village; Elias Luyimbaazi Nalukoola, a prominent city lawyer seeking the National Unity Platform (NUP) ticket; businessman and former candidate Salim Serunkuuma; Mathias Mulumba, known by his alias Kikumi Kya Doola, and currently the LC1 chairman of Corner Zone; as well as Onemus Mutumba, Tom Fisher Kasenge, and Juliet Namale from NRM. Additionally, there are NUP candidates Umar Magala, Muhamood Mutazindwa, and Kulya Soul Zziwa, and Alex Luwemba, a former aide to the late Ssegirinya.
Kawempe North is a diverse constituency comprising nine parishes: Kawempe I, Bwaise I, Kazo-Angola, Kawempe II, Kanyanya, Kyebando, Kikaaya, Komamboga, and Mpererwe. However, none of the aspirants have yet been officially confirmed as candidates by their respective parties, adding an element of uncertainty to the race.
Several aspirants have already begun engaging with voters to garner support, emphasizing different aspects of development and leadership that they believe will address the unique challenges of the constituency.
Moses Ali Jjemba’s Vision for Political Unity
Moses Ali Jjemba, a lawyer and former Deputy Resident District Commissioner for Mityana, emphasized his desire to bridge the political divide in Kawempe North. Jjemba pointed out that the constituency has been predominantly dominated by opposition politics, which he believes has hindered the ability to lobby for significant government support for the area. His platform focuses on implementing youth livelihood programs, promoting youth awareness to combat crime, and empowering women entrepreneurs to reduce unemployment.
“I believe that we need a representative who can work across political lines to bring tangible support from the government,” Jjemba said. “There’s a lot of untapped potential here, and I want to be the one to make sure that the youth and women of Kawempe are empowered to thrive.”
Elias Luyimbaazi Nalukoola: A Candidate with a Passion for Youth Talent
Elias Luyimbaazi Nalukoola, a respected city lawyer, brings a unique angle to his candidacy, highlighting the need to foster youth talent in areas like football and music. Nalukoola, who once performed under the stage name “Dandy,” has long been an advocate for youth development. He organizes football and netball tournaments, where winning teams from the nine parishes compete for awards.
“I’ve seen the power of sport and music to bring people together, especially the youth. I want to create opportunities that help young people unlock their full potential,” Nalukoola stated. He also emphasized the poor road infrastructure in Kawempe North, vowing to push for improvements if elected.
Nalukoola’s personal story is one of resilience. After dropping out of school in the late 1990s due to financial constraints, he returned to education and went on to achieve academic excellence, eventually earning a government sponsorship to Makerere University.
Salim Serunkuuma’s Focus on Youth Employment
Businessman Salim Serunkuuma, who contested in the previous elections but was defeated by Ssegirinya, is back with a clear agenda: tackling youth unemployment. Serunkuuma has already established welding workshops to teach metal fabrication skills to local youth.
He strongly criticized candidates who do not live in Kawempe North, arguing that they lack a deep understanding of the area’s needs. “You cannot represent a community you don’t live in. I’ve lived here, and I know what the people are going through. I’ve been on the ground, and my focus is to ensure that the youth here have access to jobs and vocational training,” Serunkuuma said.
Mathias Mulumba: A Voice from the Ground
Mathias Mulumba, alias Kikumi Kya Doola, is a grassroots leader who has spent over 20 years serving the community in Kawempe’s ghetto areas. As the LC1 chairman of Corner Zone, Mulumba’s deep connections with residents of Kawempe give him an edge in understanding the everyday struggles they face.
“I’ve been here for two decades, and I know what the people need. It’s time we move away from traditional politics and give space to leaders who understand the community’s issues,” Mulumba argued. He added that his experience has equipped him to empower local residents to earn up to 360,000 shillings monthly through various financial initiatives, aimed at boosting income and reducing poverty.
Mulumba, who was a Democratic Party candidate in the 2021 elections, insists that now is the time for a shift in leadership, and he believes his practical approach can drive meaningful change in the constituency.
A Highly Competitive Race Ahead
With so many candidates entering the race, the contest for the Kawempe North seat is expected to be highly competitive. Each aspirant brings a distinct vision for the area, from Jjemba’s focus on political unity to Nalukoola’s plans for youth talent development, and Serunkuuma’s commitment to job creation. Meanwhile, Mulumba’s deep roots in the community and his focus on financial empowerment resonate with many locals.
As the race heats up, the residents of Kawempe North will have to weigh these competing visions and decide who is best positioned to represent their interests and bring about the changes they need.
While none of the candidates have been officially confirmed by their parties, their early engagements with the community indicate a high level of determination. This race is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched parliamentary contests in the country in 2025.
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