Kawempe North By-Election: Day 1 of Nominations Concludes, Four Candidates Officially Nominated

Kampala, Uganda – The Electoral Commission (EC) has kicked off the nomination exercise for the Kawempe Division North Parliamentary by-election and the Kazo-Angola Councillor seat. The two-day nomination process, running from Wednesday, 26th February, to Thursday, 27th February 2025, is being conducted at the EC offices in Kawempe, near Akamwesi Mall along Gayaza Road.

Orderly and Transparent Process

The nominations began at 9:00 AM, with the Returning Officer, Mr. Henry Makabayi, leading the process. He was assisted by a team of Electoral Commission staff, ensuring a smooth and transparent exercise. The EC emphasized that while the nomination process is open to media coverage, journalists must adhere to guidelines set by the election authorities.

Candidates were reminded that nominations are not political rallies, and each aspirant was only permitted to be accompanied by two people: a proposer and a seconder, as required by law.

Candidates Nominated on Day 1

By the end of the first day, four candidates had successfully been nominated to contest for the Kawempe Division North MP seat. These included candidates from major political parties and independents, each bringing unique campaign symbols to represent their bids.

1. Hanifa Karadi Murerwa (Independent – Symbol: Clock ⏰)

The first candidate to be nominated was Hanifa Karadi Murerwa, running as an independent candidate. She chose the Clock as her symbol, signifying readiness and punctuality in serving the people of Kawempe North.

2. Luwemba Lusswa Muhammed (Independent – Symbol: Radio ?) Following Murerwa, independent candidate Luwemba Lusswa Muhammed was nominated as the second aspirant. His campaign symbol, the Radio, represents communication and the need for grassroots engagement in governance.

3. Luyimbazi Elias Nalukoola (National Unity Platform - NUP)

The third candidate to be nominated was Luyimbazi Elias Nalukoola, who is contesting under the National Unity Platform (NUP) ticket. NUP, the leading opposition party in Uganda, has a strong support base in Kampala, and Nalukoola is expected to draw significant backing from party loyalists.

4. Mukiibi Sadat (Forum for Democratic Change - FDC)

Wrapping up the list of nominees for Day 1 was Mukiibi Sadat, representing the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC). As a candidate from one of Uganda's oldest opposition parties, Mukiibi is expected to appeal to FDC supporters and those seeking experienced leadership.

Nominations Continue for Final Day

The nomination process will continue on Thursday, 27th February 2025, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the Office of the Assistant District Election Administrator in Kawempe Division. This will be the final day for potential candidates to submit their papers and secure a place on the ballot.

With several political heavyweights and independents joining the race, the battle for the Kawempe North MP seat is expected to be highly competitive. The Electoral Commission will soon release the official list of all nominated candidates after the process concludes.

What’s Next?

Once nominations are completed, the Electoral Commission will announce the official campaign period, leading up to election day. Candidates will be required to follow the guidelines set by the EC to ensure a peaceful and orderly election process.

As the people of Kawempe North prepare to choose their next Member of Parliament, the political landscape in Kampala continues to evolve, with opposition and independent candidates vying for a crucial seat in the 11th Parliament.

Stay tuned for more updates on the Kawempe North by-election as the nomination process concludes.