Residents of Kawempe North are casting their votes today, Thursday, March 13, in a by-election to choose their next parliamentary representative. The poll follows the passing of former MP Muhammad Ssegirinya in January.
In addition to the parliamentary seat, voters in Kazo Angola are also electing a new City Council representative.
A total of 199,064 registered voters are expected to participate in the by-election, with ballots being cast at 197 polling stations across the nine parishes that make up the constituency.
The race for the parliamentary seat has drawn 10 candidates, representing a mix of political parties and independent contenders:
Edward Stanley Engena (Independent)
Henry Hasaka Mubiru (DP)
Muhammad Luwemba Luswa (Independent)
Elias Luyimbazi Nalukoola (NUP)
Sadat Mukiibi Aganaga (FDC)
Hanifah Karadi (Independent)
Ismael Musitwa (PPP)
Muhammad Mutazindwa (Independent)
Faridah Nambi Kigongo (NRM)
Moses Nsereko (Independent)
Polling stations opened at 7:00 AM and will close at 4:00 PM, but voters still in the queue by closing time will be allowed to cast their ballots.
Election Preparations and Security Concerns
On Wednesday, during a pre-election briefing, Electoral Commission (EC) Chairman Justice Simon Byabakama assured the public that polling materials were securely transported from the commission’s warehouse in Banda, with dispatch beginning at 3:00 AM. All candidates were invited to send representatives to witness the process.
However, election day tensions heightened following allegations of pre-ticked ballots and suspected vote-rigging.
Drama unfolded in Namere cell, Kawempe, when opposition leaders from the National Unity Platform (NUP) claimed to have uncovered an illegal vote-rigging operation inside a private residence.
Among those at the scene were Leader of Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi, NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya, and party candidate Elias Nalukoola.
According to their account, they found armed individuals in UPDF uniforms and plain clothes tampering with vehicle number plates. They suspect these individuals were involved in pre-ticking ballots.
A scuffle broke out, leaving two journalists injured. Rubongoya also sustained a minor facial injury, while the rear window of the Leader of Opposition’s official vehicle was shattered.
Electoral Commission Dismisses Vote-Rigging Claims
EC Chairman Byabakama has dismissed the allegations, stating that any such ballots would be fake and not part of the official election materials.
“I wish somebody would give us a sample of those pre-ticked ballots; we shall outrightly prove that these are not our ballots. Ours are intact; they have not been distributed anywhere,” Byabakama said.
He also condemned violent incidents involving security forces, particularly those under the Joint Anti-Terrorism Unit, calling them “unfortunate and regrettable.”
What’s Next?
With security tight and political tensions high, all eyes are on Kawempe North as the by-election unfolds. The outcome could have significant implications for both the constituency and national politics.
Will the election proceed smoothly, or will further controversy erupt before the final results are announced? Stay tuned for updates as the votes are counted.
