Mariam Nakabuye, widely known as “Maama Nagirinya,” the widow of the late Kawempe North legislator Muhammad Ssegirinya, has officially joined the National Resistance Movement (NRM).
Nakabuye accused the National Unity Platform (NUP) of sidelining Ssegirinya’s family and choosing lawyer Erias Luyimbazi Nalukoola over the late legislator’s preferred successor.
Accusations Against NUP
Nakabuye expressed disappointment with NUP for what she described as a betrayal of her late husband’s legacy.
She claimed that Ssegirinya, along with her mother Justine Ssanyu Nakajumba, had endorsed his political assistant, Alex Luswa Luwemba, to take over his position.
However, NUP instead gave its ticket to Nalukoola, a former Democratic Party legal advisor.
“This betrayal forced me to rethink my allegiance to NUP, which chose to trust Nalukoola over Luwemba, who my late husband anointed on camera,” Nakabuye said.
Campaigning for NRM’s Candidate
On Tuesday, Nakabuye was seen riding in a black open-roof vehicle alongside the NRM flagbearer, Faridah Nambi, as they campaigned in Komamboga.
She officially declared her support for NRM and President Yoweri Museveni, urging the people of Kawempe North to vote for Nambi.
“Nambi is our hope, and she is going to educate my children,” Nakabuye told the crowd. She also emphasized that Nambi, having direct access to Museveni, would bring more benefits to the constituency.
Family Division Over Ssegirinya’s Successor
Nakabuye’s co-wife, Twahirah Akandiinda, had initially declared her candidacy as an independent for the Kawempe North seat.
However, she later withdrew from the race in favor of Nalukoola, deepening the divide within the late legislator’s family.
According to political analyst Prof. Patrick Mwambutsya Ndebesa, this split in the family could significantly impact the election outcome.
“NUP now has three competing candidates—Nalukoola, Luwemba, and comedian-politician Moses Nsereko. This could split their vote,” Ndebesa observed.
Nambi’s Pledge on Sanitation
NRM’s candidate, Faridah Nambi, also known as “Maama Kasasiro,” promised to tackle Kawempe North’s sanitation issues. She vowed to purchase a cesspool emptier to improve waste management in the area.
“The proper collection, transport, and disposal of faecal sludge is critical. An additional cesspool truck will significantly help address this challenge,” Nambi stated.
Kawempe Division Mayor Emmanuel Serunjogi highlighted ongoing efforts to improve solid waste collection, which he said had increased from 35% in 2016 to 59% in 2023, through partnerships with the private sector.
Kampala Capital City Authority spokesperson Daniel NuweAbine added that over 90% of households in Kampala rely on pit latrines, many of which are substandard or abandoned over time.
Upcoming By-Election
The by-election to replace Ssegirinya is set for March 13, with campaigns already underway since March 1.
A total of 10 candidates have been nominated for the seat. Among them are:
- Faridah Nambi (NRM)
- Erias Luyimbazi Nalukoola (NUP)
- Alex Luswa Luwemba (Independent)
- Moses Nsereko (Independent)
- Sadat Mukiibi (Forum for Democratic Change)
- Ismail Musiitwa (People’s Progressive Party)
- Henry Kasacca (Democratic Party)
- Murerwa Hanifa Karadi (Independent)
- Stanley Edward Engena Maitum (Independent)
- Muhamood Mutazindwa (Independent)
A total of 198,641 voters will cast their ballots across 169 polling stations.
Government to Support Injured Journalist
Meanwhile, youth and children affairs state minister Balaam Bamgahara announced that the government would compensate Top TV journalist Ibrahim Miracle, who sustained injuries on his left eye during the Kawempe North by-election nominations fracas.
Miracle, who was covering the nomination of Nalukoola, was injured when operatives from the Joint Anti-Terrorism Taskforce intervened and arrested the candidate.
The journalist has undergone two successful operations at Nsambya Hospital and is expected to be discharged soon. However, his family has stated that they have yet to receive any government support.
