Bishop Edward Stanley Engena-Maitum, son of former Ugandan President Milton Obote, has officially entered the Kawempe North MP by-election race. He was nominated on Thursday by the Electoral Commission, joining a crowded field of candidates vying for the parliamentary seat.
Engena-Maitum is among six candidates who were nominated on the final day of the exercise. Others include independent candidate Moses Nsereko, Democratic Party (DP) representative Henry Kasacca Mubiru, and National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidate Faridah Nambi. The list also features Ismail Musiitwa of the People’s Progressive Party, alongside independents Mohamood Mutazindwa and Edward Engena.
They join earlier nominees, including independent candidate Hanifah Karadi, Mohammed Luswa Luwemba (former aide to ex-MP Muhammad Ssegirinya), Elias Luyimbaazi Nalukoola (National Unity Platform – NUP), and Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) candidate Sadat Mukiibi, popularly known as Khalifa Aganaga.
Although Engena-Maitum does not reside in Kawempe, he traces his roots to Kawempe Kalule, where his grandfather lived. He stated that his decision to run as an independent candidate is driven by a desire to unite the people of Kawempe North beyond political affiliations.
Kasacca Mubiru vowed to champion universal healthcare, highlighting the financial burden of private medical services on local residents. He also proposed establishing regional youth information centers to provide guidance and opportunities for young people.
NRM’s Nambi plans to conduct door-to-door campaigns, emphasizing improvements in Kawempe’s healthcare infrastructure to ease pressure on Kawempe Referral Hospital. She also aims to enhance skilling programs for women to boost their financial independence.
Mutazindwa, an independent candidate, was forced to change his campaign symbol from a phone to a bicycle.
Henry Makabai, the returning officer for Kampala District, announced that campaigns will officially begin on March 1st. He urged candidates to adhere to electoral guidelines to prevent disruptions, particularly on public roads. Makabai also condemned Wednesday’s security-related violence, calling it unwarranted.
As the race heats up, the Kawempe North by-election promises to be a closely contested battle, with candidates presenting diverse visions for the constituency’s future.
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