Independent parliamentary candidate Bishop Stanley Edward Maitum Engena has unveiled a vision centered on inclusive development, economic transformation, and political unity for Kawempe North, pledging to build structures that attract investment and create employment for residents.
Speaking during the Kawempe North Parliamentary Debate hosted by NBS Television on Sunday, Engena acknowledged that he does not currently reside in the constituency but emphasized his deep ancestral ties to the area, tracing his roots to the Kawempe Kalule zone where his grandfather once lived.
“Kawempe North is where my mother comes from. What we need is a man or woman who can work outside the box. That is where I come in. My outlook is to join another sphere beyond the church to serve the people,” Engena said.
He pointed to persistent socio-economic challenges in the constituency, noting that Kawempe North remains below the poverty line, with unemployment affecting nearly 70 percent of the population. Engena argued that addressing these issues requires deliberate planning and strong institutions rather than short-term, sympathy-driven interventions.
“Need does not attract money; well-organized structures attract money. We must create systems that can draw investment into Kawempe, and that investment will create jobs for our young people,” he said.
Engena said his decision to run as an independent candidate was motivated by a desire to unite residents across political divides and focus on long-term development.
“I am happy to stand again and again. Every journey must start somewhere,” he added, underscoring his commitment to perseverance and service.
The candidate, whose campaign symbol is a clock, is also widely known as the biological son of former President Apollo Milton Obote.
Engena is competing in a crowded and highly competitive race that includes incumbent MP Erias Luyimbazi Nalukoola of the National Unity Platform (NUP), Faridah Nambi Kigongo of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), Ismael Musitwa of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), and fellow independent candidate Salim Sserunkuma, among others.
All contenders are seeking to unseat Nalukoola, who entered Parliament at the end of March after winning the March 13, 2025 by-election held following the death of former legislator Muhammad Ssegirinya.
Although Nalukoola’s victory reinforced opposition strength in the constituency, it was challenged in court by NRM’s Nambi.
The High Court later ordered a fresh election, but procedural timelines left the appeal time-barred, allowing Nalukoola to retain his seat ahead of the January 15 polls.