Kawempe North is a political battleground this week as voters prepare for a tense by-election set for Thursday.
The stakes are high, with various candidates and political factions scrambling for support in what is expected to be a hotly contested race.
The by-election follows the death of Muhammad Ssegirinya who breath his last on 9th January creating a power vacuum that multiple contenders are eager to fill.
As the election date draws closer, streets in the constituency are buzzing with campaign rallies, posters, and heightened security deployment.
Political analysts, residents of Kawempe North, and supporters of various candidates are on edge following a recent confrontation involving National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate Elias Luyimbaazi Nalukoola.
The violent clash left many injured, with some still nursing their wounds, further escalating fears ahead of Thursday’s by-election.
These incidents have instilled fear among voters and heightened concerns among political observers, who worry about what might unfold on election day.
During a recent parliamentary session, former Leader of Opposition Mathias Mpuuga expressed concern, stating that the events during the nomination period and Nalukoola’s campaign were a rehearsal for what could happen in the 2026 general elections.
The violent confrontation between NUP supporters and a security unit known as JAT prompted the Electoral Commission to intervene. Following meetings with security officials and NUP leaders, campaigns have since been conducted peacefully.
However, with just three days left until the election, supporters remain uneasy, fearing that tensions might escalate again.
A total of 10 candidates are vying for the Kawempe North parliamentary seat, but the race is largely seen as a battle between NUP’s Elias Luyimbaazi Nalukoola and NRM’s Hajati Faridah Nambi.
Last week, NUP president Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, led a massive procession of supporters at Kawempe Mbogo Grounds in a show of strength.
Similarly, Uganda’s Prime Minister, Robinah Nabbanja, campaigned in Kawempe alongside NRM candidate Faridah Nambi, urging voters to elect leaders aligned with the government.
