DP unveils Kawempe byelection flag-bearer, asks NRM to withdraw

By Isaac Nuwagaba

KAMPALA - The Democratic Party (DP) has unveiled its flagbearer for the Kawempe North parliamentary seat by-election meant to replace deceased Muhammad Ssegirinya.

DP president general, who is also justice minister Norbert Mao unveiled Henry Kasakya Mubiru on February 18, 2025, saying: “Kasakye is our strongest candidate who can tackle our opponents after coming out as the best among the two others: John-Bosco Mayinja and Claudius Katamba”.

Kasakya has been a member of Buganda Kingdom's parliament and, according to Mao, he can debate with the best of the best on the floor of Parliament and has the intellectual ability to represent DP ideology. 

“Do not be like ‘food soldiers’ who have been in Parliament acting comedy calling themselves foot soldiers. I ask the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) to withdraw their candidate in favour of DP because Kampala landlords have already come for their positions,” he said. 

Mao's 'foot soldier' statement can, according to some observers, be seen as taking a swipe at the National Unity Platform (NUP), which is the current biggest Opposition party in Uganda.

It's worth noting that the National Unity Platform (NUP) has earmarked former DP member and lawyer Erias Luyimbazi Nalukoola to hoist its flag for the same polls.
“We have based ourselves on the spirit of constitutionalism, party traditions and reason to come up with Kasakya amongst other contenders,” Mao said on how the party arrived at the selection.

Who is Kasakya?

Kasakye is a former Kawempe North youth chairperson, Interparty Organisation for Dialogue (IPOD) programme manager, founder and chairperson of the Youth Analysis Board and executive director of the Dialogue and Democracy Training Centre.

He is a member of the Buganda Kingdom Parliament “Lukiiko” and has been a committed DP member since his university days under the party's youth wing Uganda Young Democrats.

Mubiru highlighted the urgent need to address governance excesses, corruption and human rights violations in Uganda.

“This election is about the future of democracy. Governance must be fixed before we can tackle social and economic issues. Kawempe needs a leader who understands its challenges and is ready to bring solutions,” Mubiru said.

DP electoral commission chairperson John Mutenyu reaffirmed the party’s confidence in Mubiru, emphasizing that DP is bringing both intellectual and material strength to the race.

“DP is not a party of foot soldiers because human beings think with their heads, not their feet. What will matter in this election is brainpower, and we are ready,” Mutenyu said.