The National Independent Electoral Commission (EC) has warned candidates vying for the Kawempe North Member of Parliament seat and the Kazo-Angola LCIII Councillor By-elections against hate speech, and character assassination during campaigns.
The Kampala District Returning Officer, Henry Makabayi while addressing the candidates during the harmonization of their campaigning programs held at EC offices in Kawempe Division said that candidates and supporters must be aware that there is life after the election and Kawempe North has to remain peaceful.
He assured that they are committed to organizing a free and fair election and that the candidates should disregard any rumours that the elections will be rigged in favour of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidate.
Meanwhile, the Kampala Metropolitan Police Commander, Richard Echega has assured candidates of a peaceful and secure environment and asked the candidates to cooperate with the security agencies to avoid clashes.
However, candidates reacted to the contrary saying the chaotic scenes that rocked the nomination exercise is proof enough that the election may not be free and fair. Among the candidates is Elias Luyimbazi Nalukoola of the Opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) who was arrested and released without charge by officers from the Joint Anti-Terrorism Task Force shortly after he was nominated on Wednesday.
The campaigns start on Saturday March 1st to 11th 2025, ahead of the polling date is March 13th 2025.
The candidates vying to replace the late Muhammad Ssegirinya include; Luyimbaazi Nalukoola, of the NUP flag bearer, Faridah Nambi of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), Sadati Mukiibi, alias Khalifa Aganaga of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party, Muhammad Luswa Luwemba, the former aide to the fallen Kawempe North MP Muhammad Ssegirinya.
Others are Hanifah Karadi, an independent, Henry Kasacca of the Democratic Party (DP), Moses Nsereko an independent, Ismail Musiitwa of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and Edward Stanley Engena, a son of former President Milton Obote.
By Charles Katabalwa
28 February 2025
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