The National Resistance Movement (NRM) has officially endorsed Faridah Nambi as its candidate for the upcoming Kawempe North by-election, following the withdrawal of six aspirants in her favor.
The NRM Electoral Commission Chairperson, Dr. Tanga Odoi, confirmed the development last week.
The endorsement was the result of a meeting convened under the guidance of President Yoweri Museveni, who tasked Rosemary Seninde, the party’s mobilization secretary, and Maj. Ema Kuteesa with fostering unity among party members. During the meeting, all aspirants pledged to support the chosen flag bearer.
The former aspirants noted the importance of unity, revealing that President Museveni advised against holding primaries to avoid further misunderstandings.
“We all agreed to support the party’s candidate for the sake of a united front,” said Sam Sankara Katabazi, a former contender,
In her acceptance speech, Faridah Nambi thanked her former rivals for their support and pledged to work tirelessly to secure the NRM’s victory in the constituency. She appealed to President Museveni for a meeting with her campaign team, underscoring the importance of a collective effort in reclaiming the seat.
However, not all party members have rallied behind Nambi.
Hajat Hanifah Karadi defied the party’s directive and announced her candidacy as an independent. Karadi argued that Nambi, a non-resident of Kawempe North, is out of touch with the constituency’s challenges. She accused the NRM district executive committee of imposing Nambi on the electorate, warning that this decision could backfire.
Kawempe North has long been a stronghold of opposition parties, bolstered by significant Muslim support in the constituency.
The seat became vacant following the death of MP Muhammad Ssegirinya in January. As the by-election approaches, the ruling party faces a dual challenge: uniting its members while overcoming the opposition’s entrenched influence in the area.
Despite the internal wrangles, the NRM is determined to reclaim the seat, with Nambi expressing optimism about securing victory. The outcome of the by-election will likely test the ruling party’s ability to balance internal cohesion and external competition in one of its most contested constituencies.
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