It may still be premature to consider the future of the Kawempe North constituency following the passing of its legislator, Hon Muhammad Ssegirinya.
The MP’s remains have yet to be buried, but questions have begun to surface, particularly regarding the constituency’s future.
Debates have already ignited about the possibility of a by-election to fill the vacant position. It is important to note that Kawempe North has spent a significant part of the 2021-2026 political term without an MP due to Ssegirinya’s health and legal troubles. He was imprisoned shortly after being sworn in and spent nearly two years in jail.
Upon his release, he faced considerable health challenges until his passing. Although he may not have served in Parliament as he and his constituents would have preferred, service delivery largely continued as planned due to the MP’s foresight and leadership.
Before his death, he had indicated a desire to contest for the same seat in the upcoming general elections, which are now just a year away. However, he was expected to encounter stiff competition from potential candidates, particularly Sulaiman Kidandala, whom he faced in the previous election. There were also whispers of the former MP, Hon Latif Ssebagala, making a return, among other contenders.
It appears, however, that the situation has shifted, and a by-election may introduce a new leader before the general elections take place. According to the Electoral Commission’s rules, a by-election is triggered when an incumbent dies, resigns, or is removed from office. This term has seen several by-elections, such as in Omoro after the death of former Speaker Hon Jacob Oulanyah.
Moreover, the EC has already begun preparations for the forthcoming general election. The tragedy in Kawempe North comes at a particularly busy moment for the Commission. Some opinions suggest it would be unnecessary to expend taxpayers’ money on a by-election in Kawempe, arguing that the area has largely functioned without an MP for nearly five years and that they can wait for the general election.
However, official announcements will be forthcoming from the Electoral Commission in due course.
