Ssegirinya’s mother slams NUP for sidelining his former aide in Kawempe North race
As the race for Kawempe North heats up, the controversy surrounding NUP’s candidate choice has intensified political tensions in the constituency.
The mother of the late Muhammad Ssegirinya, Justine Ssanyu Nakajjumba, has criticized the National Unity Platform (NUP) for sidelining her son’s former aide, Muhammad Luswa Luwemba, in the selection process for the Kawempe North parliamentary by-election.
Speaking during the 40-day Dua prayers for Ssegirinya in Butale village, Masaka, Nakajjumba expressed disappointment over NUP’s decision to deny Luswa the party ticket, arguing that he was best suited to complete her son’s unfinished work.
“I am deeply hurt by the betrayal from NUP leaders. Luswa was my son’s right-hand man and understood his vision. He deserves the opportunity to continue his legacy, at least to finish his term,” she said.
Last month, NUP awarded its flag to city lawyer Elias Luyimbazi Nalukoola after a selection process involving 10 aspirants. Luswa, who came third, has since chosen to run as an independent alongside other contenders in the March 13 by-election.
Nakajjumba, backed by other family members, urged Kawempe North voters to rally behind Luswa, insisting he was the best candidate to carry forward Ssegirinya’s aspirations for the constituency.
The Dua prayers, attended by family, friends, and political figures, including by-election candidates Nalukoola, Luswa, and Moses Nsereko, were marked by an unusual occurrence—prayers were recited twice, in the morning and evening.
Several NUP officials, including Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya, Mityana MP Francis Zaake, and Masaka Mayor Florence Namayanja, attended the morning session. Rubongoya dismissed claims that NUP had abandoned Ssegirinya’s children, emphasizing that the party was supporting them alongside other families.
“As a party, we have many families to look after. We support more than 280 children, including those of Ssegirinya. Today, Honourable Muwanga Kivumbi has given us one million shillings to educate one of Ssegirinya’s children for a year,” Rubongoya stated.
Meanwhile, Nalukoola pledged to build on Ssegirinya’s legacy, particularly the hospital project he had initiated for Kawempe North residents.
Aspirant Moses Nsereko also acknowledged Ssegirinya’s impact, admitting that replacing him would be a challenge.
“Ssegirinya is the only MP who completed his manifesto within months of being elected. Without deceiving ourselves, none of us can do what he did,” Nsereko said.
Ssegirinya’s daughter, Shifra Naggirinya, expressed gratitude to those who have supported their family since her father’s passing, while Masaka Mayor Florence Namayanja commended his contributions to the community.
As the race for Kawempe North heats up, the controversy surrounding NUP’s candidate choice has intensified political tensions in the constituency.
