Lawyer Erias Nalukoola to represent NUP Kawempe by-election

Businessman Moses Nsereko was deeply disappointed on Tuesday after failing to win the National Unity Platform (NUP) ticket for the upcoming Kawempe North parliamentary by-election. His emotions were evident as he struggled to hold back tears.

Nsereko finished ninth out of ten candidates, securing only 14.2% of the vote. Meanwhile, lawyer Erias Luyimbazi Nalukoola won the party’s endorsement with an overwhelming 71.4% support.

When the results were announced, Nsereko was visibly shaken. Overwhelmed by the outcome, he asked people around him to give him some space. "Please leave. I am not feeling well, guys. Go and get some rest," he said, unable to hide his distress.

His supporters quickly came to his aid, trying to comfort him. Some fanned him while others removed his shoes to help him relax. Still in shock, he pleaded, "I need water."

Nalukoola’s victory came after a tough race, with several strong contenders, including Muhammad Lussa Luwemba, a former aide to the late MP Muhammad Ssegirinya. Luwemba even changed his name and religion, hoping it would increase his chances of winning the ticket.

The Kawempe North seat became vacant following the passing of Ssegirinya on January 9. He had won the seat for NUP in 2021, making it a stronghold for the opposition party.

Still struggling to accept the loss, Nsereko later expressed his frustration. "My president, Bobi Wine, should have told us he needed a lawyer to replace Anthony Wameli (RIP) rather than a foot soldier like me," he said.