Electoral Commission Sets Stage for Kawempe North By-Elections on 13th March 2025

The by-election is scheduled to take place on Thursday, 13th March 2025, in accordance with the constitutional requirement to fill the vacancy within 60 days of notification by the Clerk to Parliament.

Jan 27, 2025 - 15:15
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Electoral Commission Sets Stage for Kawempe North By-Elections on 13th March 2025
Justice Byabakama Mugenyi Simon, Chairperson EC

The Electoral Commission (EC) has officially announced the electoral programme for the parliamentary and local government councils by-elections in Kawempe Division North Constituency, Kampala Capital City. These elections will fill two key vacancies: the Directly-elected Member of Parliament for Kawempe Division North and the Directly-elected Councillor for Kazo-Angola Ward, Kawempe Division.

 

The Kawempe North parliamentary seat fell vacant following the death of Hon. Ssegirinya Muhammad on 9th January 2025. During a stakeholders’ consultative meeting held on Monday, 27th January 2025, the EC Chairperson, Justice Byabakama Mugenyi Simon, extended heartfelt condolences to Hon. Ssegirinya's family and constituents. He reaffirmed the EC's commitment to delivering peaceful, free, and fair elections.

The by-election is scheduled to take place on Thursday, 13th March 2025, in accordance with the constitutional requirement to fill the vacancy within 60 days of notification by the Clerk to Parliament. Below is a summary of the key activities leading up to the polling day:

Update of the National Voters’ Register

Dates: Monday, 27th January to Friday, 31st January 2025

Eligible voters in Kawempe North are encouraged to register or apply for transfers of voting locations during this period. 

Display of the Voters’ Register

Dates: Monday, 10th February to Wednesday, 19th February 2025

This exercise will allow voters to verify their details and ensure corrections where necessary. 

Scrutiny of Displayed Lists

Dates: Wednesday, 19th February to Monday, 24th February 2025

This will ensure that voters wrongfully recommended for deletion from the register can appeal to the Parish Tribunal. 

Nomination of Candidates

Dates: Wednesday, 26th February and Thursday, 27th February 2025 Venue: Office of the Assistant Returning Officer, Kawempe Division.

Campaign Period

Dates: Friday, 28th February to Tuesday, 11th March 2025

Political parties and candidates are urged to conduct peaceful campaigns and avoid processions that disrupt public order. 

Issuance of Voter Location Slips

Dates: Friday, 28th February to Thursday, 13th March 2025

These slips will help voters locate their polling stations with ease on polling day.

Justice Byabakama emphasized that the success of the electoral process depends on cooperation among stakeholders, including political parties, security agencies, civil society, and the electorate. The EC has laid out several strategies to ensure transparency and fairness:

 

Stakeholder Engagement: Regular consultative meetings with political parties, candidates, and local leaders to resolve potential issues.

Transparency in Preparations: Candidates or their representatives will be invited to witness critical activities, such as the packing and dispatch of election materials.

Security Collaboration: Close coordination with the Uganda Police Force to maintain a peaceful electoral environment.

Voter Education: Use of media and local supervisors to mobilize and educate voters about the electoral process.

Conflict Resolution: Establishment of a City Division Liaison Committee to address disputes swiftly.

The EC Chairperson called upon candidates, political parties, and their supporters to adhere to electoral guidelines. He urged all parties to avoid violence and accept the election outcome in the spirit of democracy. "Just like in any competitive race, participate well knowing that there will only be one winner for each elective position, voted by the majority of the people," he said.

Justice Byabakama also warned against the misuse of public roads during campaign processions and emphasized that campaign gatherings must remain at designated venues.

To enhance transparency, the EC will provide each candidate with the final polling register and serialize all Declaration of Results (DR) Forms. Accredited election observers will also monitor the process, with each party or candidate allowed to nominate up to five observers per parish.

Polling Day and Beyond 

The EC has set up measures to ensure a smooth polling day, including the establishment of a complaints desk to handle any issues that may arise. The results will be announced promptly after the polls close, and all stakeholders will be required to sign off on the results to confirm their authenticity.

 

The Kawempe North by-election comes at a critical time as the Electoral Commission gears up for the 2025/2026 General Elections. Justice Byabakama reiterated the Commission's commitment to conducting free and fair elections that uphold Uganda's democratic principles. As the electoral process unfolds, the EC calls on all stakeholders to actively participate while observing law and order to ensure a credible outcome for the people of Kawempe Division North.

John Kusolo John Kusolo is a Ugandan Journalist, Sport fanatic, Tourist, Pastor, and Motivational Speaker. * Journalist: He works for Nile Chronicles News, NCN. * Passion: Known for his dedication to his work and strong motivation. * Ambitious: He sets goals for himself and strives to achieve them. * Enjoys challenges: He thrives in challenging situations.