The opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) has urged its members aspiring for the Kawempe North MP by-election to refrain from running as independents if they do not get issued the party ticket. 

On Tuesday the party Electoral Commission revealed that it has received 10 members who have shown interest in the party ticket for the Kawempe North by-election and are waiting for the vetting committee to select the suitable candidate after thorough scrutiny including an open debate slated for Friday February 7th 2025.

The NUP Party President Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu while addressing party members at the party headquarters at Makerere-Kavule, Kawempe Division, Kampala on Tuesday said that this move is aimed at promoting party unity and discipline ahead of the highly contested Kawempe North by-election and to create improve their chances of defeating other party candidates.

Kyagulanyi adds that it will prevent fragmentation of their votes that could ultimately benefit rival parties.

However, Kyagulanyi advised party members to support the candidate who will be selected and challenged the party EC to be transparent to avoid annoying supporters.

Meanwhile, Makindye West MP, Allan Ssewanyana has pleaded with the NUP leadership to consider the candidature of Muhammad Luswa Luwemba, the former Personal Assistant of the late Muhammad Ssegirinya such that he fulfills his boss’ pledges to the people of Kawempe.

Luwemba immediately after being registered by the NUP EC vowed to fulfill all the goals of his former boss if the party entrusts him with the ticket ahead of the Kawempe North by-election.

By Charles Katabalwa

4 February 2025

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