The National Unity Platform (NUP) has held a debate for candidates vying for the Kawempe North by-election, a crucial opportunity for voters to hear directly from the candidates about their visions, policies, and qualifications. The debate is part of the party’s selection process, accounting for 50% of the criteria, with the remaining 50% determined by a constituency survey.
Ten aspirants are competing for the NUP ticket, including Luwemba Lusswa Muhammad, a former aide to the late MP Muhammad Ssegirinya, Erias Luyimbazi Nalukoola, a city lawyer, and Serunkuuma Salim, a businessman and ex-contender.
However, the debate has been criticized for lacking seriousness, with some candidates focusing on cracking jokes and praising NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi, rather than presenting concrete ideas. The event was also marred by chaotic scenes, with rival factions of NUP supporters clashing violently.
The Kawempe North parliamentary seat became vacant following the death of Muhammad Ssegirinya on January 9, 2025. The Electoral Commission has scheduled the by-election for March 13, 2025 .
