The Democratic Party (DP) has formally endorsed Henry Kasacca Mubiru as its official flag bearer in the forthcoming Kawempe North by-election. The announcement was made at the party’s headquarters on Balintuma Road, Mengo, by Kennedy Mutenyu, the head of DP’s election committee. This move marks a critical step for the party as it seeks to reclaim its influence in the constituency.
In his remarks, Mutenyu lauded Kasacca’s impressive leadership credentials and extensive experience in governance and civic engagement. He outlined Kasakya’s previous roles, which include serving as the Executive Director of Dialogue and Democracy, former DP Youth Chairman for Kawempe Division, and Program Manager at the Inter-Party Organisation for Dialogue (IPOD). Currently, Kasakya is the Executive Director of the Dialogue and Democracy Training Center. These roles, according to Mutenyu, have equipped Kasakya with the skills and experience needed to address the challenges faced by the constituency and the nation at large.
Norbert Mao, the Democratic Party’s president and also the Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, underscored the significance of the Kawempe North by-election. He described it as a critical moment to highlight the importance of electing leaders who are not only capable of representing their constituents effectively but also committed to tackling the pressing issues affecting Uganda. Mao stated that the by-election provides a platform to raise voter awareness about the qualities of effective leadership and the need for a Parliament that prioritizes the welfare of the people.
The DP president expressed his confidence in the party’s capacity to mobilize grassroots support for Kasacca. He revealed that a dedicated team of enthusiastic youth would lead door-to-door campaigns across Kawempe North to drum up support for their candidate. Mao emphasized that Kasakya’s selection as the party’s flag bearer was the result of a rigorous vetting process. The party’s leadership was intentional in choosing a candidate they believe is best suited to address the socio-economic and political challenges facing the constituency and the nation. Mao also called upon DP members and the broader opposition to avoid internal divisions and rally behind Kasakya, noting that unity is critical for success in the by-election.
Henry Kasacca Mubiru, the DP flag bearer, expressed his gratitude to the party for entrusting him with this responsibility. He described the upcoming by-election as a pivotal moment, both personally and politically, for the people of Kawempe North. Kasakya urged voters to view the election as an opportunity to make decisions that would shape the future of their region and the country.
He highlighted some of the persistent challenges in Uganda, such as corruption, poor governance, and a lack of accountability, noting that many citizens have become desensitized to these issues due to the absence of courageous and competent leaders willing to confront them. Kasakya promised to prioritize addressing these problems, vowing to take a firm stand against corruption and ensure greater transparency in governance. He called on the people of Kawempe North to elect a leader who would champion their interests in Parliament and work tirelessly to improve their quality of life.
The Kawempe North by-election was necessitated by the untimely death of the area’s elected Member of Parliament, Muhammad Ssegirinya, on January 9, 2025. The Electoral Commission has set March 13 as the date for the by-election, making it a key event on Uganda’s political calendar.
During the endorsement ceremony, Norbert Mao personally handed over the Democratic Party’s official symbols to Kasacca, symbolizing the party’s unwavering support for his candidacy. As the campaign heats up, the Democratic Party has vowed to employ a robust strategy aimed at securing victory in Kawempe North, a constituency known for its dynamic political landscape. Mao and the party leadership reiterated their commitment to fostering unity among opposition forces to ensure a strong and effective campaign for Kasacca Mubiru.
