By Kabuye Ronald
The National Unity Platform (NUP) has officially endorsed city lawyer Elias Luyimbazi Nalukoola as its flagbearer for the upcoming Kawempe North by-election, scheduled for March 13.
Nalukoola triumphed in a highly competitive race, fending off nine other aspirants, including Magala Umar, a dedicated party foot soldier who endured nearly two years of imprisonment due to his political affiliation, and Muhammad Lussa Luwemba, a former aide of the late Muhammad Ssegirinya.
Other contenders in the crowded field included businessman and former candidate Salim Serunkuuma, LC1 chairman of Corner Zone Mathias Mulumba (known as Kikumi Kya Doola), Kulya Soul Zziwa, Fredrick Kakiika, and Moses Nsereko, among others. Despite their best efforts, Nalukoola emerged victorious in the party’s internal selection process.
The by-election comes after the sudden passing of Ssegirinya, who had held the seat as the leading opposition figure in Parliament since his victory in the 2021 elections. His death on January 9 left the NUP with the crucial task of selecting a suitable candidate to retain the seat in a highly contested urban constituency.
However, the endorsement process has raised questions, particularly regarding Luwemba, who failed to appear at the NUP headquarters during the announcement of the winning candidate. This has sparked speculation about his future with the party, especially given the written agreement each aspirant had signed, promising not to run as an independent should they lose the internal race.
Despite these concerns, NUP remains the favorite to secure the seat in the upcoming by-election, with party officials emphasizing unity and commitment to the chosen candidate. The election is expected to be a significant test for the party, as it aims to maintain its stronghold in the metropolitan seat.
