A bitter family feud has erupted in Kawempe North constituency, where a by-election is underway to fill the seat left vacant by the late MP Muhammad Ssegirinya.
At the heart of the dispute are Ssegirinya’s relatives, who are backing different candidates in the election. The late MP’s mother, Justine Nakajumba, has thrown her weight behind Alex Luwemba, Ssegirinya’s former political assistant.
“We are confident that the people of Kawempe North will not regret supporting him,” Nakajumba said, praising Luwemba’s ability to continue her son’s legacy.
However, some of Ssegirinya’s widows have defected to the National Unity Platform (NUP) party, endorsing its candidate Erias Nalukoola. The widows claim that Nalukoola is better placed to continue Ssegirinya’s legacy.
“We have decided to support our brother Nalukoola for the Kawempe North parliamentary seat,” said Twahira Akandinda, one of Ssegirinya’s widows.
But not all of Ssegirinya’s relatives are supporting Nalukoola. His widow Mariam Nakabuye has accused Nalukoola of abandoning her late husband during his time of need. Nakabuye has since joined the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party and is backing its candidate Faridah Nambi.
“I recall that in 2024, Mr Nalukoola began displaying posters, which caused my late husband great distress, wondering if elections had already begun. This incident, I believe, contributed to the worsening of his health,” Nakabuye said.
The family divisions have added a personal dimension to the by-election, which is being closely watched in Uganda’s political circles. The election is set to take place on Thursday, with 10 candidates vying for the vacant seat.
Ssegirinya’s relatives are engaged in a war of words, each accusing the other of betraying the late MP’s legacy.
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