Family Endorses Late Ssegirinya’s Aide Alex Luwemba as Successor

The late Muhammad Ssegirinya's mother said the family has endorsed the deceased former MP's aide and close confidante Alex Luwemba as his successor but the widow Twayira Akandiida has said she will give the by-election a go herself
The family of the late Muhammad Ssegirinya has endorsed Alex Lusswa Luwemba as his political successor, urging the constituents to support him in continuing the legacy of their son in Kawempe North.
The family expressed confidence that Luwemba, who was a close confidante of the late Ssegirinya, would fulfill the promises and dreams left unfinished by the deceased MP.
Ssegirinya’s mother Justine Ssanyu Nakajumba said the family’s decision was down to the desire "to continue my son’s legacy because we believe he understands the people’s needs and will continue to advocate for them."
Although Luwemba is not a direct relative, the family highlighted his close relationship with the late MP.
“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.
To further solidify their endorsement, the family stated that Luwemba is willing to convert to Islam if necessary to meet the community’s expectations.
“If it becomes necessary for Alex to convert to Islam to fulfill this responsibility, we are ready to ensure it happens,” they affirmed, underlining their commitment to maintaining the connection to the community’s faith and values.
The Nile Post could not speak to Mr Luwemba about whether he was interested in the political endorsement.
However, the family’s endorsement faces competition from within. Twayira Akandiida, one of Ssegirinya’s widows, has declared her intention to run for the parliamentary seat.
Ms Akandida argued that her experience working closely with her husband during his time in office makes her well-equipped for the role.
“Even though the family has endorsed Luwemba, I am undeterred and will stand for my late husband’s position. I believe I have the skills and knowledge to serve the people of Kawempe North,” she asserted.
However, beyond the endorsement, Luwemba would have to cross many bridges to Parliament starting with a possible need to get a party backing.
The late Ssegirinya subscribed to the National Unity Platform, with the majority opposition party already said to be having a couple of aspirants waiting to hit the campaign trails for the same seat.
While Mr Luwemba would potential also go as an independent, it would require some financial juicing while the decisive moment would be decided by the voter in a ballot.
Meanwhile, the family also expressed gratitude to Prince Kassim Nakibinge, a prominent leader in the Muslim community, for supporting Ssegirinya during his life and helping him earn the trust of Kawempe North residents.
They urged the community to extend the same trust and support to Luwemba.
The family called on NUP president Robert Kyagulanyi and the Kawempe North electorate to ensure that whoever succeeds Ssegirinya embodies his values and dedication to the community.
Amid the political developments, the family continues to mourn Ssegirinya’s loss. His brother Godfrey Bukenya appealed for support for the late MP’s children, highlighting concerns about their welfare.
“Currently, we are uncertain about the exact number of children left behind, but we’ve identified eight, alongside three widows. We call upon all kind-hearted people to assist us in ensuring the children receive the care and support they need,” Bukenya said.
Ssegirinya passed away on Wednesday last week from Lubaga Hospital after his brain shut down and multiple organs collapsed.
He had been treated at various hospitals in the country and beyond for an undisclosed chronic complication that his former colleagues such as Makindye West MP Allan Ssewanyana said was exacerbated by his prolonged time in jail.
Ssegirinya and Ssewanyana were in September 2021 charged with murder and terrorism over the killings that took place in Masaka District months earlier. The two spent 17 months in jail, which denied Ssegirinya a chance to seek timely medical assistance.