KAMPALA, UGANDA | Voters in Kawempe North have begun arriving at polling stations to participate in a crucial by-election to elect a new Member of Parliament. The election, held under heightened security, follows the death of Muhammad Ssegirinya, who passed away on January 9, 2025.
By 6:00 AM, polling officials had arrived at most stations, with electoral materials being delivered by 6:30 AM. However, as of 7:30 AM, no polling station visited by our reporters had begun voting, as officials were still setting up and political party representatives were finalizing their briefings.
The Electoral Commission has deployed a total of 197 polling stations to cater to 199,064 registered voters. Security has been intensified, with uniformed and plain-clothed police and military personnel stationed across the constituency to prevent any disruptions.
Nine candidates are competing for the parliamentary seat, including Luyimbazi Elias Nalukoola (National Unity Platform – NUP), Faridah Nambi Kigongo (National Resistance Movement – NRM), and Mukiibi Sadat (Forum for Democratic Change – FDC), among others. As the voting process unfolds, election observers and political analysts predict a highly competitive race.