Kampala, Uganda – The National Unity Platform (NUP) is set to engage its ten aspirants in a public debate as part of the selection process for the party’s flagbearer in the upcoming Kawempe North by-election. NUP Secretary General Lewis Rubongoya announced that this debate will account for 50% of the selection criteria, with the remaining half determined through a constituency survey.
The debate is scheduled to allow a limited number of supporters for each candidate to maintain order during the event. Rubongoya stated, “We shall allow a few supporters for each candidate at the debate to avoid chaos.” This initiative follows the confirmation of ten contenders for the party ticket, including notable figures such as Luwemba Lusswa Muhammad, lawyer Luyimbazi Nalukoola, and Umar Magara.
The Kawempe North parliamentary seat became vacant after the death of former MP Muhammad Ssegirinya on January 9, 2025. With the by-election fast approaching, NUP aims to select a strong candidate who can retain the seat previously held by Ssegirinya. The public debate and subsequent survey are expected to provide valuable insights into each candidate’s popularity and suitability among voters.