Kawempe North Candidates Push On Without Party Leaders

People’s Progressive Party candidate Ismail Musiitwa, who has also been campaigning without direct party involvement, attributed his party’s absence to other commitments.

With just a day left before the close of campaigns in Kawempe North, several parliamentary candidates are pressing ahead without the visible support of their party leaders.

While their absence raises questions about party commitment, some aspirants insist they are managing well on their own.

Democratic Party (DP) candidate Henry Kasacca Mubiru braved a morning drizzle as he traversed the constituency, urging voters to support him in Thursday’s election.

Despite the absence of DP leadership on his campaign trail, Kasacca remained optimistic.

“My leaders are engaged in official duties, but we are united in spirit,” he said, dismissing concerns that he had been left to campaign alone.

He encouraged his supporters to stay steadfast, warning them against being swayed by his competitors.

“The people of Kawempe North deserve a leader who truly understands their struggles. I am here for them, with or without party backing,” he added.

Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) candidate Sadat Mukiibi, popularly known as Khalifa Aganaga, has also been holding rallies without his party’s top figures.

Instead of traditional campaign speeches, Aganaga has taken an unconventional approach, using music to engage his supporters.

“I do not need my party leaders to win this race. My people know me, and they believe in me,” he said.

People’s Progressive Party (PPP) candidate Ismail Musiitwa, who has also been campaigning without direct party involvement, attributed his party’s absence to other commitments.

“They have other responsibilities, but they are still behind me,” he said. PPP President Saddam Gayiira affirmed that while party leaders may not always be physically present, their support remains strong.

“We believe in our candidates and trust they can represent our party well in this race,” Gayiira stated.

With only one day left before campaigns officially close, the 10 candidates vying for the Kawempe North seat face a tough challenge in reaching all nine parishes—especially those who have not yet covered at least half of them.

As voters prepare to cast their ballots on Thursday, the question remains whether the absence of party leaders will influence the final outcome.