Kawempe By-Election: Religion, Awareness, and the Shifting Political Landscape

Kawempe North has long been a Muslim stronghold, and religious identity has played a significant role in electoral success.

As Kawempe North heads into a by-election, two major factors stand out in shaping voter behaviour: religion and political awareness. These elements have historically dictated who rises to power in the constituency, and tomorrow’s vote is unlikely to be any different.

Kawempe North has long been a Muslim stronghold, and religious identity has played a significant role in electoral success. The late Muhammad Ssegirinya, whose death on January 9 led to this by-election, was a known Muslim.

However, it is worth noting that he converted to Islam, a move that political analysts say was crucial for securing votes in a constituency where faith matters as much as policy.

Before Ssegirinya, Latif Ssebaggala, another Muslim politician, held the seat for years. More telling is the case of Luswa, a politician who, sensing the importance of religion here, also converted (or at least presented himself as a convert) to Islam to gain credibility with voters.

In one of his public statements, Luswa openly admitted that he had to make that decision to stand a chance in Kawempe.

This trend suggests that candidates who do not align with the religious majority might struggle to break through, reinforcing the idea that faith remains a defining element of politics in Kawempe.

Unlike rural areas where voters can be swayed by basic handouts like salt, soap, or matchboxes, Kawempe; being a metropolitan and politically conscious constituency demands much more.

Here, election commercialisation does not automatically translate into votes. While money still exchanges hands in campaigns, voters are more concerned about tangible development and service delivery.

In a nation where elections are highly commercialized, Kawempe’s voters have proven to be a different breed. Even when politicians "buy" votes, the electorate does not always feel obligated to return the favour at the ballot box. This makes the quality of promises, rather than handouts, the real battleground.

In city constituencies like Kawempe, development pledges must go beyond the basic infrastructure that rural voters may see as transformative. Hospitals, schools, roads, and electricity are already present, so candidates must offer more than just pledges—they must present practical solutions and policies that resonate with an urban electorate.

The key questions remain: What exactly have the candidates promised? Are they addressing traffic congestion, healthcare accessibility, or unemployment? Are they discussing youth empowerment, security, and economic opportunities?

These are the issues that matter in a constituency like Kawempe North, where voters have had exposure to governance and understand the limits of political rhetoric.

As the by-election nears, Kawempe North’s unique political dynamics “a deeply rooted religious influence and a highly aware electorate” will play a decisive role in shaping the outcome.

The key to winning lies not just in money or party loyalty but in navigating the delicate balance of faith, credibility, and genuine solutions to urban challenges.