By Our Reporter
Elias Nalukoola, the National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate for the Kawempe North parliamentary by-election, was apprehended by security forces shortly after submitting his nomination papers. Reports indicate that he is currently being held at Kawempe Police Station, with the charges against him yet to be revealed.
This arrest comes amid the first day of candidate nominations for the by-election to replace the late Kawempe North MP, Muhammad Ssegirinya. Before the arrest, Nalukoola had addressed the media, alleging that one of his agents had been abducted, and that his official nomination documents had been stolen. Despite these challenges, he was still able to file his nomination papers and secure his position as a candidate.
The Kawempe North by-election has stirred political controversy well before the voting day. In an unexpected turn, candidates from Uganda’s two dominant parties—NUP and the National Resistance Movement (NRM)—have defied party directives to contest as independents. This has led to tensions both within the parties and among their supporters.
From the NUP camp, Luwemba Lusswa Muhammed, a former personal assistant to the late Ssegirinya, had sought the party’s nomination but was passed over in favor of Nalukoola. Luwemba has now chosen to run independently, despite being told that doing so could lead to disciplinary measures. Luwemba believes he was unjustly sidelined and is committed to contesting under the banner of his beliefs, even if that means running against his own party’s wishes.
On the NRM side, Hanifa Karadi Murerwa has similarly gone against the grain. She publicly rejected the party’s decision to endorse Faridah Nambi—daughter of NRM National Vice Chairman, Hajj Moses Kigongo—as the official candidate. Karadi contends that the nomination process was rigged in favor of Nambi, accusing it of favoritism based on family ties. In protest, Karadi declared her candidacy as an independent, further highlighting the internal rifts within the NRM.
Nambi, for her part, has dismissed these accusations, stating that the party followed due process and that any concerns within the NRM would be addressed internally.
The political landscape of the Kawempe North by-election is becoming more complex with each passing day. Nalukoola’s arrest has only added fuel to an already volatile situation, further raising concerns about political interference and the integrity of the election process. NUP leaders and supporters have expressed outrage over the arrest, calling for his immediate release.
As the race heats up, the Kawempe North by-election, set for March 13, 2025, is shaping up to be a critical test of political dynamics in Uganda, particularly regarding party loyalty, internal democracy, and the influence of established political forces. The outcome could have far-reaching consequences, not only for the candidates involved but also for the political future of the capital’s opposition stronghold.
Have An Advert Or Article You Want Us To Publish? Email: swiftnews0@gmail.com
