Kawempe North is abuzz with anticipation ahead of the upcoming by-election to replace the late Muhammad Ssegirinya, who passed away on January 9 at the age of 37. Among the 14 candidates vying for the parliamentary seat, one name stands out: Dr. Ismael Matovu, a 25-year-old fresh graduate from Makerere University.
Dr. Matovu, who recently completed his degree in medicine and surgery, is making waves with his ambitious vision to transform Kawempe North. Despite his youth, he has laid out a comprehensive plan to tackle some of the constituency’s most pressing issues, including unemployment, poor health standards, and inadequate infrastructure.
“The biggest challenge in Kawempe is unemployment,” Matovu said. “We need policies that drive social-economic transformation for our people. This includes promoting financial literacy, vocational training, and industrial development.”
Dr. Matovu’s campaign centers on creating opportunities for the youth by establishing vocational institutes in every parish. He believes these centers will empower young people to become job creators rather than job seekers, reducing the area’s high unemployment rates.
“I will work in collaboration with stakeholders like the central government, Buganda Kingdom, and civil society organizations to ensure every parish has a vocational institute. This will solve the overwhelming levels of unemployment in our area,” Matovu explained.
In addition to tackling joblessness, the young doctor has pledged to advocate for better healthcare and infrastructure. His vision includes improving community health standards and addressing Kawempe’s drainage challenges, which have long plagued the constituency.
Matovu also plans to push for fair wage policies, particularly for laborers, many of whom he says are exploited with pay that does not reflect their work. “I will advocate for the continued support of the elderly, marginalized groups, and policies that control labor exploitation,” he emphasized.
The by-election has attracted a mix of candidates from various political parties, including the National Unity Platform (NUP), National Resistance Movement (NRM), People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), and People’s Progressive Party (PPP). NUP, the dominant party in the area, has the highest number of candidates vying for its flag, with seven individuals competing for the position.
While Dr. Matovu is yet to declare his party affiliation, his campaign is gaining traction among young voters and professionals who see him as a symbol of fresh ideas and change. Many residents are intrigued by the prospect of having a medical professional and a new graduate at the helm of their constituency.
As the Electoral Commission prepares to release the official roadmap for the by-election, all eyes are on Kawempe North. With Dr. Matovu stepping into the political arena, the race is shaping up to be a test of whether youth and innovation can triumph in a constituency hungry for progress.
