NUP’s Mufumbiro secures Nakawa East nomination from behind bars

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Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro, the embattled deputy spokesperson of the National Unity Platform (NUP), has been nominated in absentia to contest for the Nakawa East seat, despite being behind bars.

Mufumbiro, who remains in prison facing charges of incitement to commit an offence, is accused of rallying NUP supporters to target security forces, allegedly with the intent to murder.

However, his legal troubles did not stop his team from pushing forward with his candidacy.

His nomination papers were presented by the outgoing Nakawa East MP, Eng. Ronald Balimwezo, who is now running for Kampala City mayor, and Mufumbiro’s wife, Edith Katende Mufumbiro, who served as his proposer.

The moment was deeply emotional, as Mufumbiro’s wife, Katende, stood in silence, hands clasped and eyes shut, as the Electoral Commission (EC) in Ntinda, Kampala, confirmed her husband’s nomination.

“We thank everyone who has stood with us and also appreciate the EC nominating him. This step is done,” she said.

Balimwezo explained the legitimacy of the nomination.

“We presented all that is required. Though he is in prison, we are strong that he is going to win this election and work for his people,” he said.

Mufumbiro will face a crowded field in Nakawa East that includes the National Resistance Movement’s (NRM) Fredrick Ruhindi, the Forum for Democratic Change’s (FDC) Moses Okwera, Winfred Nakandi of the Democratic Front (DF), and independents Kirabo Gasagwa, Dr Acer Okot, and Charles Ronnie Keeno.

The two-day nomination exercise kicked off under heavy security from both the police and the army.

Candidates arrived accompanied by crowds of supporters singing, dancing, and cheering for their aspirants, but they were not allowed beyond the security barricades.

Other notable figures who were nominated include Fred Nyanzi, brother to NUP president Robert Kyagulanyi, for Kawempe South (NUP); Zahara Luyirika for Makindye West (NUP); Allan Ssewanyana for Makindye West (Independent); Faridah Nambi Kigongo for Kawempe North (NRM); Erias Luyimbazi Nalukoola (NUP); Joel Ssenyonyi for Nakawa West (NUP); NUP’s Secretary General David Lewis Lubongoya, who was also nominated for the Kampala Central seat alongside Minsa Kabanda (NRM); and Shamim Malende for Kampala District Woman MP (NUP), among others.

The Kampala regional returning officer, Rashim Hasakya, confirmed that the nomination process was running smoothly.

He said that by the close of the day, 46 candidates had been nominated. The exercise will conclude on Thursday, October 23.

Hasakya noted that Makindye East had the highest number of candidates (11), followed by Makindye West (5), Kawempe South (4), Kawempe North (2), Rubaga North (2), Rubaga South (3), Nakawa East (8), Nakawa West (1), Kampala Central (8), and Kampala District Woman MP (2).