Anxiety is high in Kawempe North constituency as residents get set to vote their MP tomorrow Thursday in a billed by-election.
National Unity Platform’s Elias Luyimbazi Nalukoola is fighting for his political survival against NRM’s Faridah Nambi in an arguably two-horse race, where emotions are soaring high.
But as the two top contenders continue to flex their muscles, eight other candidates , Kasakya Henry Mubiru (DP), Sadat Mukiibi alias Aganaga (FDC), and Ismail Musitwa (PPP).
Independents are; Mohamaad Lusswa Luwemba, Hanifar Karadi , Moses Nsereko, Muhamood Mutazindwa, Henry Stanley Maitum (son of former president Milton Obote).
Faridah Nambi promises to bring development on account of his membership to the ruling party, while Nalukoola is riding on fighting corruption and human rights.
There is intense competition between NUP’s Nalukoola and NRM’s Faridah Nambi with tensions rising across all camps.
All candidates, like in any election, are confident of nothing short of victory. The leading two candidates have both deployed in the area ahead of the poll.
NUP’s stalwarts, led by party secretary general Lewis Rubongoya, and several MPS have pitched camp in the constituency to guard their votes, while NRM too has deployed cadres on the ground.
The Electoral Commission (EC) said that all is set for the polls. The tally centre has been set at Kawempe Divison headquarters. Henry Makabayi is the returning officer expected to announce the results when the polls close at 5pm and tallying eventually ends.
Attempts by TV10 to get a word from Nalukoola were futile. However, at his last campaign rally in Komamboga, NUP president Robert Kyagulanyi urged residents to vote for him, stressing that he would fight corruption and protect the Muslim community, which has faced threats from security forces.
NRM’s Faridah Nambi said that campaigns are over and his victory will be seen in the massive support she got a long the last campaign rallies.
Security is tight, with both uniformed and plain-clothed security personnel patrolling the area. The police said it had deployed a senior police officer in each of the 9 parishes of Kawempe North to head security, encounter any election malpractice, and ensure that peace prevails throughout the voting process.
