President Yoweri Museveni has called on voters in Kawempe North to rally behind the NRM candidate, Faridah Nambi, in the crucial by-election slated for March 13. Addressing a charged crowd at Mbogo Muslim Primary School on Tuesday, Museveni assured residents that electing Nambi would pave the way for development, effective governance, and a stronger connection between the constituency and the central government.
The by-election comes after the untimely death of former Member of Parliament Muhammad Ssegirinya in January, leaving Kawempe North without a representative. Museveni emphasized that the absence of an NRM MP has hindered progress, as local challenges like water scarcity and poor road infrastructure have remained largely unaddressed.
Museveni, accompanied by several high-ranking NRM officials, took to the podium with a clear message: choosing Nambi means choosing progress. He noted that even without an NRM representative in the area, the government had continued to make efforts to address local issues, but cooperation with a committed MP would significantly amplify these efforts.
“I have been working in this area, even without a representative in our meetings,” Museveni remarked. “By voting for Nambi, you are choosing a candidate who can work with the government to solve your problems.”
He urged voters to make a wise choice, likening politics to medicine, where the right prescription can heal longstanding problems. Museveni stressed that the NRM’s track record speaks for itself, citing successful projects such as the establishment of factories that have created jobs and boosted the local economy. He also recalled his involvement in the region during the liberation struggle against former President Milton Obote, pointing out that NRM has long been invested in improving the lives of Ugandans.
Museveni further highlighted the strategic importance of electing an NRM representative, arguing that it would enhance communication between the community and government ministries. He mentioned that without a local leader who aligns with the central government, crucial issues like water access and road rehabilitation could continue to be neglected.
“The NRM has always known the issues you face,” he reiterated. “Electing Nambi will allow us to continue these efforts and address the needs of the people.”
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, herself a resident of Kawempe, also addressed the gathering, expressing her disappointment at how the area has been neglected under opposition leadership for the past 25 years. Nabbanja acknowledged the hardships residents face, especially concerning water scarcity and poor sanitation.
“Together with Nambi, we will ensure that your voices reach the decision-makers,” Nabbanja promised. She also proposed the construction of public water tanks to lower the cost of a jerrycan, which remains high due to a lack of investment in public utilities.
NRM Deputy Secretary-General Rose Namayanja criticized opposition leaders for failing to lobby for community needs, insisting that their long tenure has yielded minimal results.
“The opposition has been in charge of Kawempe for 25 years, but where is the progress?” Namayanja asked rhetorically. “It’s time for real change, and that change is Nambi.”
Minister of Microfinance, Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo, also took a swipe at the opposition, blaming poor leadership for the constituency’s struggles. He pointed out that the ruling party has invested in infrastructure, healthcare, and electricity, but poor coordination with opposition leaders has slowed progress.
“The problems you face today are not caused by the government; they are a result of poor leadership from opposition representatives,” Kasolo asserted.
Rosemary Sseninde, NRM Director for Mobilization, voiced confidence in the party’s grassroots support, stating that the people of Kawempe have shown remarkable enthusiasm for Nambi’s campaign.
“The people have welcomed us with open arms, and we are confident that this time, they will choose progress over empty rhetoric,” Sseninde said.
Local leaders also raised various community challenges that they believe could be addressed with better representation, including high property taxes, inadequate garbage management, the dusty and poorly maintained Mpereerwe-Buwambo road, and the absence of a secondary school. They expressed hope that Nambi would be able to bridge the gap between the community and government bodies to address these pressing issues.
Faridah Nambi, who comes from a prominent political family as the daughter of NRM National Vice-Chairman Al-Hajj Moses Kigongo, faces stiff competition from 10 other candidates. Among them is Elias Luyimbazi Nalukoola from the National Unity Platform (NUP), with both candidates emerging as frontrunners.
Despite being in an opposition stronghold, NRM leaders are optimistic that Museveni’s personal involvement and Nambi’s clear message of change will sway voters. The President’s rally marked the culmination of a series of campaign events aimed at highlighting the benefits of aligning Kawempe North with the ruling party.
As voters prepare to head to the polls, Museveni’s message resonates clearly: a vote for Nambi is a vote for continuity, development, and a stronger partnership between Kawempe North and the central government. The President assured residents that with Nambi in Parliament, their concerns would be addressed more effectively and efficiently.
With the ruling party pulling out all the stops, the stakes are high, and the NRM is determined to secure victory in a constituency that has long eluded its grasp. The by-election will be a crucial test of whether Museveni’s message of progress and unity will prevail over the opposition’s entrenched influence in Kampala.
