19-year-old eyes Uganda's top office

Aug 13, 2020

Hillary Humphrey Kaweesa, who completed S.6 at Mengo SS in Kampala, last year is among the 31 people who have already picked Presidential nomination forms from the Electoral Commission (EC).

POLITICS 2021 ELECTIONS

KAMPALA - "I want to make the politics of Uganda genuine," is the campaign promise of the 19- year-old who has expressed interest to contest for Presidency in the 2021 general elections.

Hillary Humphrey Kaweesa, who completed S.6 at Mengo SS in Kampala, last year is among the 31 people who have already picked Presidential nomination forms from the Electoral Commission (EC).

According to Kaweesa, he is legible to stand for Presidency because he achieved the three principal passes at A" level in Physics, Economics and Mathematics (PEM).

He plans to join University for a Bachelors in civil engineering after the 2021 elections

In an interview with the New Vision on Wednesday, Kaweesa confessed that the only position of leadership he has held before is being a class councillor.

Hillary Humphrey Kaweesa, who completed S.6 at Mengo SS in Kampala, last year is among the 31 people who have already picked presidential nomination forms. (Photo by Ivan Kabuye)

However, he insists; "I'm a good leader of course and I have been a big dreamer." Kaweesa pledges to fight the politics of blame game.

Kaweesa is a beneficiary of the 2017 Presidential age-limit constitutional amendments that scrapped the 75 years age cap. The eligibility for one to stand for Presidency was lowered from 35 to 18 years.

The aspirant hopes to raise the sh20m nomination fees from well-wishers. The aspirants are required to be endorsed by at least 100 supporters per district.

According to the Presidential Elections Act, an aspirant is supposed to be endorsed by at least 100 supporters in two-thirds of all the districts before is nominated

EC said this time around, the aspirants will be required to get the signatures from at least 90 districts.

Dr Deo Lukyamuzi Kizito aged 61 who also picked the forms said what informed his decision to contest for Presidency is to rescue the country from the rot of corruption.

"We must rid this country of corruption and the whole system needs to be overhauled," he said.

Paul Kato Ssentongo said there is a need to re-organize the country. "I want to put things back in order and I also want to deal with unemployment," he said.

Mathew Mutyaba aged 34 and a lawyer by profession, claimed that he had a spiritual call to lead Uganda.

The list of those who have already picked forms included; Robert Kyagulanyi the leader of the National Unity Platform (NUP), Charles Bbaale of Ecological Party of Uganda (EPU), Daniel Matsiko, Rugaba Christopher, Fred Mwesigye, Maj.Joseph Mwambazi, Harold Nuwasiima, Eric Kitsa, John Katumba, Joshua Isingoma Mugisa, Prof.Godwin Ssempebwa, Charles Kafeero Mutasa, Dr.Joel Ssekimpi, Elizabeth Lugudde, John Herbert Nkangabwa, Edward Niyonzima, Vicks Kingo Molodocal Ainebyona, Simon Ebetu and Bob Akileng.