Vote NRM’s Nambi, You Won’t Regret - Museveni Tells Kawempe North

Kawempe North is set to hold a by-election on March 13, following the death of its former Member of Parliament, Muhammad Ssegirinya, in January.

President Museveni has urged voters in Kawempe North to support the NRM candidate, Faridah Nambi, in Thursday's crunch by-election vote, promising that their decision will bring much-needed change to the constituency.

Kawempe North is set to hold a by-election on March 13, following the death of its former Member of Parliament, Muhammad Ssegirinya, in January.

Adding his pull factor to NRM flagbearer Nambi at Mbogo Muslim Primary School grounds on Tuesday, Mr Museveni addressed the crowd, highlighting the importance of electing an NRM representative to ensure effective governance.

"I have been working in this area, even without a representative in our meetings," Museveni said.

"By voting for Nambi, you are choosing a candidate who can work with the government to solve your problems."

Ms Nambi is the daughter of NRM National Vice-Chairman Al-Hajj Moses Kigongo, whose firm helping hand has helped the President lead the party over the last 39 years.

He said without a representative in Parliament, local issues like water access and road development would remain unresolved.

The President likened politics to medicine, urging the voters to choose a party that understands their problems and has the capacity to address them.

"The NRM has always known the issues you face," he said, recalling his involvement in the region during the struggle against former President Obote.

He pointed to the success of factories that have emerged in the area as evidence of NRM’s impact, which have provided jobs and boosted local economies.

Mr Museveni also urged the people of Kawempe to consider the broader impact of voting for the ruling party, citing government efforts in infrastructure, electricity provision, and healthcare.

"The NRM has brought development, but individual issues still need attention," he said. "Electing Nambi will allow us to continue these efforts and address the needs of the people."

The NRM has an enviable track record with by-election due to Mr Museveni's political full factor whenever he dedicates time and the party resources in fighting for a single constituency.

Although Kawempe North in the capital Kampala is in the opposition stronghold, with a by-election, the ruling party stands a big chance.

Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, who resides in Kawempe, acknowledged the challenges faced by the constituency, especially after 25 years without an NRM representative.

She noted that previous leaders had failed to work with the government, leaving local problems unaddressed.

"Together with Nambi, we will ensure that your voices reach the decision-makers," Nabbanja promised.

Water access was a key issue raised, with the high cost of jerrycans of water being a significant concern. Nabbanja advocated for the construction of public tanks by National Water to lower the price, while NRM Deputy Secretary-General Rose Namayanja emphasized that the opposition had not lobbied for local needs.

"Vote for Faridah Nambi to ensure that your problems are addressed," Namayanja urged.

Minister of Microfinance, Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo, urged voters to choose wisely this time, pointing to the failure of opposition leaders to address local issues. "The opposition has spent 25 years in charge of Kawempe, but the problems you face today are not caused by the government; they are a result of poor leadership," Kasolo stated.

Rosemary Sseninde, NRM Director for Mobilization, expressed confidence that their focus on local issues would resonate with voters.

"The people of Kawempe have welcomed us, and we are hopeful that this time, they will vote for progress," she said.

Local leaders also raised concerns about property taxes, garbage management, the dusty Mpereerwe-Buwambo road, and the lack of a secondary school, issues they hope to see addressed with the election of a representative who works closely with the government.

Faridah Nambi is facing competition from a field of 10 candidates, including Elias Luyimbazi Nalukoola from the National Unity Platform, with both Nambi and Nalukoola emerging as the frontrunners in the race.

As voters head to the polls, President Museveni’s message is clear: A vote for Nambi is a vote for continued development and a stronger partnership between Kawempe North and the central government.