By Frank Kamuntu
The latest landing on our political desk indicates that the National Unity Platform (NUP) has handed the flag to famous counsel Luyimbazi Nalukoola for Kawempe North by-election.
Nalukoola, who was the Legal Advisor for the Democratic Party (DP) since 2020, resigned from his position following the controversial cooperation agreement between the DP and the National Resistance Movement (NRM).
In this party ticket race, Nalukoola beat nine other aspirants, including Muhammad Lussa Luwemba, a former aide and confidante of the late Muhammad Ssegirinya who had to change his name, religion and even invoke divine help for the ticket.
After being declared the winner of the ticket, Nalukoola expressed his gratitude to the NUP for placing their trust in him. “To the National Unity Platform for placing trust in me to be the flag bearer and all candidates in the forthcoming Kawempe North by-election,” he said.
He also acknowledged the dedication of his fellow aspirants, stating, “Mr. President, to my fellow aspirants who stood in the race with passion and integrity, your dedication has strengthened our party.”
Nalukoola recognized the challenges ahead, saying, “While many of you might see this as an opportunity for me, it is a challenge. A challenge to serve. A challenge to represent and stand with the people of Kawempe North and the majority of Ugandans facing the wrath of General Museveni’s 39 years of misrule.”
He emphasized the importance of unity within the party, noting, “This is not a privilege but rather a trial. It is demonstrated in three ways… First, it is a trial to enhance our unity as a party, embody our brand as the national unity platform, and walk the values we preach.”
The Kawempe North parliamentary seat became vacant following the death of Muhammad Ssegirinya on January 9, 2025. The Electoral Commission has scheduled the by-election for March 13, 2025, with the nomination of candidates set to take place from February 26 to 27, 2025.
