The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) is set to unveil singer Mukiibi Sadat, popularly known as Kalifah Aganaga, as its party flagbearer in the Kawempe North by-election.
Kalifah, who has long sought to establish himself in the political arena, is already at the FDC party headquarters in Najjanankumbi.
This is not the first time Kalifah has attempted to venture into politics. In 2019, he announced his intention to run for the Rubaga South parliamentary seat in the 2021 general elections, a position then held by the late Kato Lubwama. He initially sought the National Unity Platform (NUP) ticket but failed to secure it, ultimately abandoning his bid for the seat.
“An artiste does not need to print posters or bribe the masses to gain public recognition if they decide to run for a political office,” Kalifah said.
“Very soon, maybe in five years’ time, being a musician will be one of the qualifications for becoming a politician,” he predicted.
The Kawempe North parliamentary seat became vacant following the death of National Unity Platform’s (NUP) Muhammad Ssegirinya on January 9, 2025. The by-election is scheduled for March 13, 2025.
NUP has already approved 10 candidates from whom they will select their party flagbearer. These include Luwemba Lusswa Muhammad, Luyimbazi Nalukoola, Umar Magara, Saulo Kulya Zziwa, Serunkuuma Salim, Kakyika Fredrick, Dr. Charles Rubagumya, Ssenkungu Kenneth, Mathias Mulumba, and Moses Nsereko.
The ruling NRM party announced Faridah Nambi, a daughter of their 1st National Vice Chairman, Moses Kigongo, as their party flagbearer in the by-election.
