By Aggrey Baba
The political battlefield in Kawempe North is heating up, and for Hon. Muwanga Kivumbi, there is no contest, because the National Resistance Movement (NRM) is fighting a losing battle.
The Butambala Legislator and National Unity Platform (NUP) Deputy President for Buganda has dismissed any talk of the ruling party making winning the by-election, declaring that they will struggle to even score 30% of the vote.
His comments came during a heated political talk show on NBS TV, February 13, 2024, where he clashed with Buyaga West MP Hon. Barnabas Tinkasimire over the upcoming by-election.
“NRM is chasing shadows in this race. They have completely lost ground in Kampala and its surroundings,” Kivumbi said.
The by-election, scheduled for March 13, 2025, follows the sorrowful passing of Hon. Muhammad Ssegirinya, a vocal NUP MP. With NUP hoping to retain the seat and NRM seeking an success in a constuency where it has had little support for years, the contest has sparked debate over whether NUP’s grip on Kampala politics is weakening.
Tinkasimire, however, had a different view. “We are going to tell the people of Kawempe North not to be hoodwinked by political parties. Sometimes, the best solutions come from where you least expect,” he argued.
The ruling party has fielded Faridah Nambi, daughter of veteran NRM leader Hajji.Moses Kigongo, while NUP has fronted former Democratic Party’s (DP), lawyer Erias Nalukoola Luyimbazi as their flag bearer. The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) recently unveiled musician Khalifa Aganaga as their official candidate, hoping to attract youthful voters.
The NUP president scoffed at any suggestion that their party’s influence was fading, pointing to the party’s success in the 2021 general elections. “If our victory was just a Buganda wave, how did we end up with the highest number of opposition MPs in Parliament?” he asked. “NUP is not just a party, but a movement that cuts across the entire country. This election will prove that our strength remains intact.”
Tinkasimire was quick to hit back, insisting that voters should prioritize individuals over parties. “The people of Kawempe North must think beyond party colors. They need a leader who will work for them, not just someone riding on party slogans,” he said.
With nominations set for February 26 and 27, and campaigns running from February 28 to March 11, the race is expected to be highly competitive.
For Kivumbi, the by-election is about more than just retaining a seat, but a statement about NUP’s dominance. “We are going to prove once again that NRM no longer has a footing here. They should prepare for disappointment,” he warned.
This did not shake Tinkasimire’s confidence, as he had a final warning for NUP. “If they think they have already won, they will be in for a surprise.”
As the campaign period nears, political tensions are running high, and whether NUP maintains its grip or NRM stages an unexpected comeback remains to be seen.
However,[A hunter who underestimates his prey might return empty-handed]. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
