Independent parliamentary aspirants in Kawempe North who defied their party primaries and opted to contest against officially endorsed candidates have been warned against using party colours, slogans, and regalia.
Both the National Unity Platform (NUP) and the National Resistance Movement (NRM) have disowned the rebel candidates, declaring that their decision to run independently effectively strips them of party allegiance.
Muhammad Luswa Luwemba, a former aide to the late Muhammad Ssegirnya, campaigned in Mpereerwe today using his radio, determined to fight for the Kawempe North seat despite NUP’s disapproval.
Luswa insists he remains loyal to the party, arguing that his independent candidacy is driven by overwhelming public support.
“I decided to join the race as an independent due to the overwhelming support I received from the people, but my heart remains with NUP,” Luswa said.
He is not alone. Moses Nsereko, another independent, also claims to be a devoted NUP supporter, despite contesting against the party’s chosen flagbearer.
However, NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya has dismissed such claims, stating that running against an official NUP candidate automatically ends one's party membership.
“Once you choose to oppose NUP’s flagbearer, you cease to be a part of the party,” Rubongoya said.
“Rejoining NUP after this is a rigorous process, where the member in question writes to the secretary general, who then tables the request before the National Executive Committee. But the reasons for the earlier diversion must be valid.”
Hajjat Hanifah Karadi, another independent, faces similar pushback at NRM. Karadi had initially sought an NRM candidacy in Mbarara but has now switched to contesting in Kawempe North while still professing loyalty to the ruling party.
NRM Electoral Commission chairman Tanga Odoi has questioned her move, warning her against using party symbols in her campaign.
“Why leave Mbarara for Kawempe?” Odoi asked. “She should not campaign using NRM colors if she is standing as an independent.”
Karadi, however, remains defiant.
“I’m not afraid of their warnings. I remain firmly NRM at heart,” she responded.
Despite the NRM’s opposition to her candidacy, Odoi acknowledged that the party would still welcome her if she won.
“If she makes it through, we welcome her because NRM is a big house. But we have given her the last chance to reconcile with the party,” he said.
With the election approaching, the fate of these rebel aspirants remains uncertain.
Their decision to defy party endorsements may shape their political futures, either forcing a permanent break or leading to an eventual reconciliation.