Bobi Wine Promises a Transparent Process to Find a Candidate for Ssegirinya’s Seat

Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, also known as Bobi Wine, who leads the National Unity Platform (NUP), has assured the public that his party will follow a democratic and transparent process to identify a new representative for Kawempe North after the passing of Muhammad Ssegirinya.

Ssegirinya, the former Member of Parliament for Kawempe North, passed away last Thursday and was buried at his family home in Masaka on Sunday. While addressing mourners, Bobi Wine expressed the party's commitment to continuing Ssegirinya’s vision of service to the people.

“We will not fail to find a suitable candidate who shares Ssegirinya’s goals,” he stated. “The process will be transparent and guided by the will of the people.” He also emphasized NUP’s core principle of “people power,” adding, “We have always been people power, and we shall remain people power.”

Challenges in Choosing Ssegirinya as the NUP Candidate

Reflecting on the 2021 elections, Bobi Wine admitted that it was challenging for the party to choose Ssegirinya as their flag bearer. The competition was intense, with highly qualified contenders such as Latif Ssebagala, NUP’s organizing secretary Sulaiman Kidandala, and other accomplished individuals. Some critics even questioned Ssegirinya’s qualifications, suggesting they might not hold up if he won.

However, Bobi Wine shared that voter sentiment was overwhelmingly in favor of Ssegirinya. He revealed that influential figures, including a Reverend Father and a professor from Makerere University, advised him to support Ssegirinya. They highlighted that voters often prioritize candidates who connect with their needs over those with academic credentials or political experience. Following this advice, Bobi Wine instructed NUP’s Secretary General, David Lewis Rubongoya, to give Ssegirinya the party’s flag.

There has been public speculation about whether a by-election will be held to replace Ssegirinya, especially with the 2026 general elections approaching. Julius Mucunguzi, the Electoral Commission’s Spokesman, clarified that by law, a by-election must be conducted if an MP’s seat is declared vacant more than six months before the next general election.

He explained, “Once the Clerk to Parliament declares a vacancy, the Electoral Commission is required to organize a by-election within 60 days of receiving that notification.” Since Ssegirinya’s death occurred well before the six-month cutoff for the 2026 elections, the Commission will proceed with the necessary steps once notified by the Clerk to Parliament.

With the party's dedication to transparency and the legal requirements for a by-election, the people of Kawempe North can expect a clear process to find a leader who will continue Ssegirinya’s legacy.