Kawempe North is set for a highly contested by-election on March 13, following the tragic passing of Member of Parliament (MP) Muhammad Ssegirinya on January 9.
Among the latest entrants in the race is Ms. Twahirah Akandinda Ssegirinya, the 30-year-old widow of the late legislator, who has declared her candidacy as an independent.
Akandinda announced her decision, expressing strong confidence in her ability to represent the people of Kawempe North.
She cited her passion for key community issues, particularly improved healthcare, socio-economic transformation, and youth empowerment, as the driving force behind her political ambitions.
“I am the perfect choice for Kawempe,” she declared, emphasizing her commitment to continuing her late husband’s initiatives and introducing new projects aimed at uplifting the constituency.
A Contentious Endorsement and Akandinda’s Determination
Despite Akandinda’s entry into the race, political dynamics within the late Ssegirinya’s inner circle remain divided.
Ssegirinya’s mother, Ms. Justine Ssanyu, recently endorsed Muhammad Lusswa Luwemba, the late MP’s former personal assistant, as her preferred candidate.
However, Akandinda has dismissed the endorsement, alleging that it was motivated by personal interests rather than the collective will of the constituents.
“I believe the endorsement was not supported by many people. It was done out of selfish gains. The people of Kawempe should be the ones to decide who will best serve them,” she stated.
Leveraging International Connections for Kawempe’s Development
Akandinda is banking on her strong ties with Ugandans in the diaspora to sustain and expand the initiatives left behind by her late husband.
She specifically pointed to partnerships with supporters in countries like the Netherlands and the United States, whom she believes will help fund and facilitate development projects in the area.
“I am still in connection with the international community, who could support us, in countries like the Netherlands and the United States of America (USA), to maintain all the projects the late Ssegirinya left. I will also introduce new projects such as mobile clinics and technical institutions in various parishes of Kawempe,” she explained.
Among her proposed initiatives, Akandinda highlighted the need for accessible healthcare services and skills development programs, which she believes will benefit vulnerable communities, particularly the youth and women.
Who is Twahirah Akandinda?
A resident of Mpererwe, Akandinda comes from an educational background and has experience in both teaching and business.
She holds a Grade Three teaching certificate from Bwera Primary Teachers College and has taught in several institutions, including Uganda Martyrs Primary School in Mpererwe and Dream Africa Schools in Gayaza.
In recent years, she has transitioned into business, which she credits for equipping her with leadership and management skills she intends to apply in politics.
Other Candidates Eyeing the Kawempe North Seat
With only thirteen days left until the official nominations by the Electoral Commission (EC), scheduled for February 26 and 27, multiple candidates from different political parties have already expressed interest in the seat.
The Democratic Party (DP) has seen at least three aspirants declare their intention to run: Ms. Shakirah Najjukka, John-Bosco Mayinja, and Claudius Katamba.
According to Mr. Kennedy Mutenyo, DP’s electoral coordinator, the party will soon announce its final candidate who will embark on seeking voter support.
Additionally, the race has drawn candidates from several political factions. The confirmed aspirants so far include:
- Erias Nalukoola – National Unity Platform (NUP)
- Faridah Nambi – National Resistance Movement (NRM)
- Sadat Mukiibi – Forum for Democratic Change (FDC)
- Ismail – People’s Progressive Party (PPP)
- Independent candidates: Twahirah Akandinda Ssegirinya, Hanifah Karadi, Mohamood Mutazindwa, and Fahad Kayondo
A Hotly Contested Race Ahead
With multiple candidates vying for the seat, the upcoming by-election is expected to be highly competitive.
As political parties finalize their nominations and campaigns heat up, Kawempe North constituents will be weighing their options carefully.
For Akandinda, the coming weeks will be crucial in rallying support, proving her leadership capabilities, and demonstrating that she is the right candidate to carry on her late husband’s legacy.
Whether the voters will align with her vision remains to be seen as the election date draws closer.
