The Electoral Commission has announced that by-elections to fill the vacant Kawempe Division North parliamentary seat will be held on Thursday, 13th March 2025. This follows the passing of Hon. Ssegirinya Muhammad, whose death on 9th January 2025 left the position vacant.
Speaking during a consultative stakeholders’ meeting on Monday, 27th January 2025, Justice Simon Byabakama, Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, confirmed the timeline for the by-election and urged all participants to ensure a peaceful and credible process.
“The Electoral Commission is committed to organizing a free, fair, and transparent election. Together with all stakeholders, we must work to deliver a credible outcome,” he said.
The electoral process has already begun, with the update of the National Voters’ Register taking place from 27th to 31st January 2025. This exercise, aimed at ensuring voter eligibility and accuracy, is running alongside preparations for the 2025/2026 General Elections. Voter registration and transfers within Kawempe North will end on 31st January for the by-election, while the general update continues until 10th February.
Justice Byabakama highlighted other key dates, including the display of the Voters’ Register from 10th to 19th February, followed by the issuance of Voter Location Slips from 28th February to 13th March. Candidate nominations are scheduled for 26th and 27th February, while campaign rallies will run from 28th February to 11th March.
The Electoral Commission is also set to fill the vacant City Division Councillor seat for Kazo-Angola Ward as part of the by-election process.
Justice Byabakama emphasized the need for peaceful and lawful participation, urging political parties and candidates to abide by electoral guidelines. “Processions on public roads will not be permitted. Campaign gatherings must remain within designated venues. Violence and misconduct have no place in this process,” he stressed.
The Commission has introduced measures to ensure transparency, including training agents, accrediting observers, and inviting candidates to oversee key election preparations. Stakeholders have been urged to mobilize and educate voters to participate actively and peacefully.
The Kawempe North by-elections come at a critical time, with Justice Byabakama reiterating the Commission’s dedication to its mandate of delivering free and fair elections.
The by-election will determine the next directly-elected Member of Parliament for Kawempe North and fill the Kazo-Angola Ward councillor vacancy, with 13th March set as the decisive polling day.
