"I am now Muhammad" - Alex Luwemba changes names to replace Ssegirinya

Former Kawempe North legislator Muhammad Ssegirinya's aide, Alex Luwemba has officially changed his name to 'Muhammad Luwemba" ahead of the by-election to replace his deceased boss.
Ssegirinya passed away earlier this month, leaving the Kawempe North Constituency vacant and in need of a leader to continue his work.
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In the wake of Ssegirinya's death, Luwemba has been actively expressing his intention to run for the vacant seat to carry on his former boss's legacy.
In what appears to be a strategic move to gain popularity in Kawempe North, Luwemba has adopted Ssegirinya's Muslim name- Muhammad, replacing his previous name- Alex.
A notice published in the Gazette confirms his name change from Alex Luwemba Lusswa to Muhammad Luwemba Lusswa.
The lawyer verified these changes, signing and sealing the document on January 10.
"By this deed, I, the undersigned LUWEMBA LUSSWA MUHAMMAD of C/O M/S Wakabala & Co. Advocates, formerly known as LUWEMBA ALEX LUSSWA and LUWEMBA ALEX, citizen of Uganda by birth. do hereby declare that: 1. For and on my behalf wholly renounce, relinquish and abandon the use of my former names and in place thereof do assume from the date hereof the names LUWEMBA LUSSWA MUHAMMAD.." Luwemba stated.
He further declared, "For the purpose of evidencing such my determination, I declare that I shall at all times hereafter in all records, deeds and writings and in all proceedings, dealings and transactions private as well as public and upon all occasions whatsoever., use and sign the name LUWEMBA LUSSWA MUHAMMAD in place of and in substitution for my former names of LUWEMBA ALEX LUSSWA and LUWEMBA ALEX,"
He requested that everyone address him by his new name, Muhammad Luwemba Lusswa.
Ssegirinya, 39, passed away on January 9, 2025 at Lubaga Hospital after suffering from brain failure and multiple organ collapse.
He had been receiving treatment for an undisclosed chronic condition, which his former colleagues, including Makindye West MP Allan Ssewanyana, indicated was worsened by his extended time in custody.
Just days after Ssegirinya's burial, Luwemba publicly announced his desire to succeed him in Kawempe North, and received the endorsement of the deceased legislator's family.
Ssegirinya’s mother, Justine Ssanyu Nakajumba, had explained that the family's decision was motivated by their wish for Luwemba to continue her son’s legacy because they believed Luwemba understands the people’s needs and will advocate for them.
“Luwemba was very close to my son. He knows all his secrets, his business, and everything he did for his constituents. We are confident that the people of Kawempe North will not regret supporting him,” Nakajumba added.
She had also suggested that Luwemba converts to Islam to fulfil this responsibility.
Last week, the Clerk to Parliament, Adolf Mwesige, formally notified the Electoral Commission (EC) of a vacancy in the Kawempe North constituency following the passing of Ssegirinya, paving the way for a by-election to fill the vacant seat.
Luwemba is aiming to obtain the National Unity Platform (NUP) card that helped Ssegirinya win a seat in Parliament during the 2021 general elections.
While it remains uncertain whether he will receive the card, party president Robert Kyagulanyi announced this month that they will rely on the principle of "people power" to select the candidate for the Kawempe North by-election.
"We cannot fail to get a candidate who will fulfil Ssegirinya’s objectives, but I want to inform you that we shall follow our transparent process, and that process will be guided by the power of the people,” Kyagulanyi said.
"We are people power, we were people power, and we shall remain people power,” he added.