The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has nominated local musician Sadat Mukiibi, popularly known by his stage name Kalifah Aganaga, as its flag bearer in the forthcoming Kawempe North MP by-election.
FDC said Wednesday that Mr Mukiibi was their preferred candidate for the March 13 by-election to fill the seat that fell vacant following the death of Muhammad Ssegirinya, a member of the National Unity Platform (NUP) led by musician turned politician, Mr Robert Kyagulanyi, alias Bobi Wine.
The unveiling of Mr Mukiibi was done at the party headquarters in Najjanankumbi, Kampala on Wednesday by FDC officials led by the party President Patrick Amuriat Oboi.
“Dear fellow musicians and artistes, laws are made in Parliament and for us to push for the copyright law we must have a number of musicians in Parliament. Therefore, I call upon all musicians and artistes to support and rally behind me. I promise you to front the copyright law,” Mr Mukiibi said.
Mr Amuriat said Mr Mukiibi will win the seat for the party.
“To those who think that Kawempe North belongs to a particular political party, I would like to inform you that the constituency is an open arena. Therefore, we bring Sadat young and energetic to win Kawempe North back to FDC,” Mr Amuriat said.
The development comes hours after NUP said at least 10 people had expressed interest to contest for the seat.
NUP which is currently the leading opposition party is expected to subject its aspirants to a debate on February 7 before announcing their flagbearer on February 11.
The10 politicians who have expressed interest to be NUP flagbearers in the by-election are; Umar Magala, Muhammad Lusswa Luwemba, Erias Luyimbazi Nalukoola, Mathias Mulumba, Moses Nsereko, Salim Sserunkuuma and Fredrick Katika.
Others are Charles Rubagumya, Kenneth Ssekungu and Saul Kulya Zziwa.
The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party is fronting Ms Faridah Nambi for the constituency which has for a long time been an opposition stronghold. Other aspirants for the parliamentary position include; People’s Progressive Party’s choice Ismail Musiitwa, Independent leaning Hanifah Karadi and Muhamood Mutazindwa while the Democratic Party (DP) are yet to declare their flagbearer.
