KAMPALA, March 14, 2025 – Luyimbazi Elias Nalukoola of the National Unity Platform (NUP) has secured a resounding victory in the Kawempe Division North parliamentary by-election, replacing the late Muhammad Ssegirinya, who passed away earlier this year.
Nalukoola garnered 17,764 votes, far ahead of his nearest competitor, National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidate Nambi Faridah Kigongo, who received 8,593 votes, according to official results released by Kampala City returning officer Makabayi Henry.
The by-election, held on Thursday, saw a total of 27,596 valid votes cast. Other candidates trailed significantly, with independent candidate Luwemba Lusswa Muhammad securing 240 votes and Democratic Party’s Kasacca Henry Mubiru earning 100 votes. The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) candidate Mukiibi Sadat managed 239 votes, while independent Murerwa Hanifah Karadi polled 381.
Makabayi, speaking at the Makerere University School of Public Health Auditorium, declared Nalukoola the duly elected Member of Parliament for Kawempe Division North under Section 77(1) of the Parliamentary Elections Act.
The seat fell vacant following the death of Ssegirinya, a vocal opposition MP and NUP member, who succumbed to illness earlier this year. His passing was widely mourned, with tributes pouring in from across Uganda’s political spectrum.
Nalukoola’s victory further cements NUP’s stronghold in Kampala, a key battleground in opposition politics. The win is also seen as a boost to NUP’s parliamentary presence ahead of the 2026 general elections.
The by-election was closely watched amid rising political tensions, but the Electoral Commission reported a peaceful voting process despite minor logistical challenges.
Nalukoola is expected to be sworn in soon, continuing the legacy of Ssegirinya, who was known for his advocacy on social welfare issues.
