By Our Reporter
Last Sunday marked two months since the hotly contested Kawempe North by-election, a vote marred by widespread violence, allegations of human rights violations, and continued political fallout. The February by-election attracted 10 candidates and saw heavy deployment of security forces, with disturbing reports of beatings targeting opposition supporters, journalists, and even candidates.
Security agencies were accused of orchestrating attacks during the campaign and on polling day, with eyewitnesses and victims pointing to excessive use of force, including the presence of military vehicles inside polling stations—an unusual sight even for Uganda’s volatile electoral environment.
Despite the turbulence, the Electoral Commission declared Erias Luyimbaazi Nalukoola, the National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate, as the winner of the seat. He was closely followed by Faridah Nambi, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidate, who has since petitioned the courts seeking nullification of the outcome and a fresh election.
Other contenders included Sadati Mukiibi (Aganaga) of the FDC, Henry Kasacca Henry Mubiru (DP), and Musitwa Ismael (PPP). A number of candidates contested as independents after failing to secure tickets from their respective parties—among them Moses Nsereko and Muhammed Luwemba Luswa (former NUP hopefuls), Hanifah Karadi (formerly NRM), and Edward Stanley Maitum and Muhamood Mutazindwa, who broke away from the UPC race.
Perhaps the most unexpected twist in the Kawempe North aftermath is Moses Nsereko’s pivot to national politics. Known for injecting humor and satire into his campaign, Nsereko—despite not winning—has announced his ambition to contest for Uganda’s presidency in the 2026 general elections. He plans to seek the NUP presidential ticket, potentially setting up a dramatic face-off with the party’s current leader, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, alias Bobi Wine.
Bobi Wine has already begun regional tours seeking endorsements for another shot at the presidency and was recently backed by leaders from the Bugisu region. Nsereko’s challenge adds a new dynamic to the internal politics of the country’s main opposition party.
In a bold manifesto, Nsereko proposes increasing salaries of frontline public service workers—teachers, doctors, police officers, and soldiers—by 50 percent. To fund these changes, he promises to slash the wages and allowances of Members of Parliament, ministers, and directors in government ministries, departments, and agencies.
As court proceedings over the Kawempe North results unfold, and political positioning for 2026 intensifies, the violence and electoral irregularities surrounding the by-election continue to cast a shadow over Uganda’s democratic process.
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