Luyimbazi Elias Nalukoola Wins Kawempe North By-Election, Succeeds Late MP Ssegirinya Muhammad
The by-election was organized following the unfortunate passing of Hon. Ssegirinya Muhammad, who died in January 2025. Nalukoola emerged victorious in a competitive race, securing the highest number of votes among nine candidates.
Luyimbazi Elias Nalukoola, a candidate from the National Unity Platform (NUP), has been declared the winner of the Kawempe North parliamentary by-election held on Thursday, March 13, 2025. The declaration was made in the early hours of Friday, March 14, 2025, at 00:20 hrs by the Electoral Commission Returning Officer, Makabayi Henry, at the Makerere University School of Public Health Auditorium.
The by-election was organized following the unfortunate passing of Hon. Ssegirinya Muhammad, who died in January 2025. Nalukoola emerged victorious in a competitive race, securing the highest number of votes among nine candidates.
According to the official results declared by the Electoral Commission, the total number of valid votes cast for candidates was 27,596. Nalukoola, representing the National Unity Platform (NUP), garnered 17,764 votes, securing a comfortable lead over his closest competitor, Hon. Faridah Kigongo (NRM), who managed 8,593 votes.
Below is a breakdown of the results:
Luyimbazi Elias Nalukoola NUP 17,764
Namabi Faridah Kigongo NRM 8,593
Murerwa Hanifah Karadi Independent 381
Luwemba Lusswa Muhammad Independent 240
Mukitibi Sadat FDC 239
Mutazindwa Muhamood Independent 186
Kasacca Henry Mubiru DP 100
Nseneko Moses Independent 32
Engena-Maitum Edward Stanley Independent 22 Musiitwa
Ismail PPP 39
The total number of ballot papers counted was 28,002, with 406 invalid ballots and 49 spoiled ballots.
Upon being declared the winner, Luyimbazi Elias Nalukoola expressed gratitude to the voters of Kawempe North for their overwhelming support. He pledged to uphold the legacy of the late Hon. Ssegirinya Muhammad and to continue advocating for the needs of his constituents, including better social services, youth empowerment, and infrastructure development.
"This victory is not mine alone but for the people of Kawempe North, who have entrusted me with this responsibility. I will serve with integrity and commitment, ensuring that our voices are heard in Parliament," Nalukoola said.
The by-election outcome reaffirms the dominance of the National Unity Platform (NUP) in the Kampala metropolitan area, where the party enjoys significant support among urban voters. NUP leaders, including party president Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (Bobi Wine), congratulated Nalukoola on his victory and emphasized the party's mission to champion good governance and social justice.
The win further solidifies NUP’s hold on Kampala, following a wave of victories in the 2021 general elections. With Nalukoola’s election, the party has retained its parliamentary seat in Kawempe North, ensuring continuity in representation.
Political analysts believe that the victory signals the electorate's continued confidence in NUP’s leadership, despite challenges faced by the party. It also sets the stage for the 2026 general elections, where opposition parties are expected to challenge the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
Luyimbazi Elias Nalukoola's landslide victory in the Kawempe North by-election marks a new chapter for the constituency. As he assumes office, all eyes will be on his ability to fulfill campaign promises and effectively represent the people of Kawempe North in Parliament.
With the official declaration made by the Electoral Commission, Nalukoola is set to be sworn in as the new Member of Parliament for Kawempe North, succeeding the late Hon. Ssegirinya Muhammad.
