Justine Ssanyu Nakajjumba, the mother of the late Muhammad Ssegirinya, has come out with strong words against the National Unity Platform (NUP) for sidelining her late son’s close aide, Muhammad Luswa Luwemba, in the Kawempe North by-election.
Speaking at the 40-day Dua prayers held in Butale village, Masaka, Nakajjumba expressed her disappointment with the party’s decision to overlook Luswa, despite his close association with her son and his deep understanding of Ssegirinya’s political vision.In a passionate address, Nakajjumba stated that Luswa was the most suitable candidate to carry on Ssegirinya’s legacy and complete the projects her son had started in Kawempe North.
She described Luswa as someone who had been by Ssegirinya’s side throughout his political journey and was familiar with the struggles and aspirations of the people in the constituency.
Last month, NUP selected Elias Luyimbazi Nalukoola, a city lawyer, as its flag bearer for the by-election after a rigorous selection process involving ten aspirants.Luswa, who had finished third in the race, opted to run as an independent candidate, which has now added more tension to an already heated contest.
Nakajjumba, accompanied by other family members, urged the voters of Kawempe North to rally behind Luswa, insisting that he was the most qualified candidate to continue the work her son had started.
She also expressed her belief that the party’s decision had not only betrayed Luswa but also the late Ssegirinya’s vision for the constituency.
The 40-day Dua prayers, attended by several political figures, including Nalukoola, Luswa, and Moses Nsereko, were held twice daily, marking a rare and solemn occasion.NUP officials such as Secretary-General David Lewis Rubongoya and MP Francis Zaake attended the morning prayers and addressed the media.
Rubongoya denied allegations that the party had abandoned Ssegirinya’s family, emphasizing that NUP had supported the late MP’s children, including a one-million-shilling donation from MP Muwanga Kivumbi to fund one of Ssegirinya’s children’s education.
