The Uganda Electoral Commission (EC) has announced that all preparations are complete for the Kawempe North by-election, scheduled for today March 13th, 2025.
With 199,081 registered voters across 197 polling centers, the stage is set for a fiercely contested race featuring 10 candidates.
Henry Makabai, the returning officer for Kampala, and Rehema Nassuna, his assistant for Kawempe, will oversee the process.
EC Chairman Simon Byabakama has urged calm, warning candidates against voter bribery and promising a “peaceful, free, and fair election.”
Museveni vs NUP: A Battle of Ideologies
Campaigns officially closed yesterday, with President Museveni, also the National Resistance Movement (NRM) chairman, rallying support for Faridah Nambirige, the NRM candidate.
Speaking in Kawempe Mbogo, Museveni urged voters to back a party with “solutions to their problems.”
Meanwhile, Erias Nalukoola, the National Unity Platform (NUP) flag bearer, held his final rally in Komamboga.
NUP leaders used the platform to accuse the government of planning to deploy security forces to manipulate the election.
Polls Open Today: What to Expect
Voting begun at 7:00 AM and close at 4:00 PM, with tallying set to take place at the Makerere University Institute of Public Health Auditorium.
The by-election, which covers nine parishes, has been marred by allegations of voter bribery and fears of security interference.
As the clock ticks down, all eyes are on Kawempe North. Will the EC deliver on its promise of a credible election, or will tensions boil over?
