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Supporters of the NRM flagbearer Faridah Nambi, conducting her door to door campaigns in Komamboga in Kawempe (Photo by Milton Niinga)
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By Milton Niinga
The NRM candidate for Kawempe North, Faridah Nambi, is facing a surprising challenge as the party's support base in the area appears to be dwindling. This development is particularly unexpected given Nambi's strong political background as the daughter of NRM Vice National Chairperson Moses Kigongo.
Nambi was nominated as the NRM flagbearer for the Kawempe North by-election, scheduled for March 13, 2025, after the party decided not to hold primary elections for the position. Despite this, she seems to be facing an uphill battle in maintaining the party's support in the area.
The Kawempe North constituency has historically been an opposition stronghold, which might explain the NRM's struggles in retaining its support base. The upcoming by-election is expected to be highly contested, with several candidates vying for the seat, including NUP's Elias Luyimbaazi Nalukoola, FDC's Sadat Mukiibi, and independent candidate Muhammad Luwemba, who was the former MP and personal secretary to the late Mohammad Ssegirinya.
NRM party flagbearer Faridah Nambi, speaking to the electorates in Komamboga during campaigns. (Photo by Milton Niinga)
Ssegirinya's widow ditches NUP, joins Museveni's NRM
The widow of the late Ssegirinya has crossed over to the National Resistance Movement (NRM) camp after accusing the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) of sidelining the family by handing the party ticket to lawyer Erias Luyimbazi Nalukoola.
Mariam Nakabuye, also known as 'Maama Nagirinya,' accompanied NRM’s flagbearer Faridah Nambi in a black open-roofed car and publicly criticized NUP leader Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine) for betraying her family. She campaigned for the ruling party in Komamboga Zone, Kampala, on Tuesday.
According to Nakabuye, Ssegirinya’s family, including her mother Justine Ssanyu Nakajumba, had endorsed Alex Lusswa Luwemba as the late MP’s political successor. However, their hopes were dashed when NUP chose Nalukoola instead. "This betrayal forced me to rethink my support for NUP. They trusted the former Democratic Party (DP) legal advisor, Nalukoola, over Alex Luwemba, who was even publicly anointed by my late husband. I have officially joined NRM and will campaign for President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni," Nakabuye declared to a cheering crowd.
"I trust Nambi to take care of the people of Kawempe because she has direct access to President Museveni. She is the mother of our hope, and she is going to educate my children," she added.
Nakabuye’s decision follows that of Twahirah Akandiinda Ssegirinya, who had initially declared her candidacy for the Kawempe North parliamentary seat as an independent but later chose to support Nalukoola.
NUP responds to defections
Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro, the deputy spokesperson of NUP, stated that the party’s position was clear and that all members had the opportunity to prove their competencies in replacing Ssegirinya.
"Parties are not prisons that lock people in. There is freedom of choice in multiparty politics. Their defection has minimal impact because no one can truly replace Ssegirinya. Being a family member does not automatically qualify someone for leadership. Certain roles require professionalism, which not all family members possess," Mufumbiro argued.
Related story: Why FDC’s Aganaga never attained government sponsorship despite scoring 23 points
Nambi’s promises to Kawempe residents
Nambi, now popularly referred to as "Maama Kasasiro" (Mother of Garbage) during her campaign, has made a significant promise to residents—purchasing a cesspool emptier to address the community's sanitation challenges.
"Proper collection, transportation, safe disposal, and treatment of faecal sludge are critical. Additional cesspool trucks will significantly help in addressing this challenge," Nambi emphasized.
Her promise is particularly significant given residents' complaints about poor sanitation and waste management during her recent community engagements.
"Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has been struggling with this issue, but I will buy a cesspool emptier to improve the situation," she pledged.
Among other key issues she promised to address if elected include:
The by-election, scheduled for March 13, 2025, has attracted 10 candidates from political parties and independent backgrounds following the unfortunate passing of Ssegirinya on January 9, 2025.
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