The mother of the late Kawempe North MP, Muhammad Ssegirinya, has publicly criticized the National Unity Platform (NUP) leadership for sidelining her son’s former aide, Muhammad Luswa Luwemba, in the party’s selection process for the upcoming parliamentary by-election.
Speaking during the 40-day Dua prayers for her son in Butale village, Masaka, Justine Ssanyu Nakajjumba expressed her disappointment with NUP’s decision to deny Luswa the party’s flag, despite his close working relationship with the late legislator.
“I am deeply hurt by this betrayal from NUP leaders. Luswa was my son’s right-hand man and understood his vision. He deserves the opportunity to carry on his legacy, at least to complete his term,” Nakajjumba said.
Last month, NUP handed its ticket to city lawyer Elias Luyimbazi Nalukoola after a selection process that saw 10 aspirants compete for the flag. Luswa finished third and, along with other unsuccessful candidates, has since declared his intention to contest as an independent.
Nakajjumba, backed by other family members, has urged Kawempe North voters to rally behind Luswa, arguing that he is the best candidate to fulfill Ssegirinya’s aspirations for the constituency.
The Electoral Commission has confirmed a total of 10 candidates for the vacant seat. These include independents Hanifa Karadi, Alex Luswa Luwemba, Mutazindwa Muhamood, Nsereko Moses, and Stanley Edward Engena Maitum; NUP’s Elias Nalukoola; Forum for Democratic Change’s Mukiibi Sadat, alias Khalifa Aganaga; Faridah Nambi Kigongo of the ruling National Resistance Movement; Democratic Party’s Kasacca Henry Mubiru; and Musiitwa Ismail of the People’s Progressive Party.
Campaigns kicked off last week and will run until March 11, with voters set to cast their ballots on March 13.
