Kawempe North by-election has taken an emotional turn after 23-year-old Hamza Damulira an aspiring candidate was turned away by the Electoral Commission (EC) for failing to meet key nomination requirements.
Damulira a student at Metropolitan University and resident of Kyebando had arrived at the EC offices with hopes of securing his place on the ballot, was left in distress when officials refused to process his nomination due to his failure to present proof of payment for the UGX 3 million nomination fee.
Expressing his frustration, Damulira accused the system of sidelining young, less-privileged candidates who aspire to bring change.
“I have the will to serve my people but they have made it impossible for us without money,” he lamented.
“Sincerely, look at me can I afford even 1 million? How can you ask me for 3 million? That is the reason why I want to go to Parliament and bring a bill for the nomination fee for Members of Parliament. Let’s look at capability, not capacity.“
His plight has sparked debate on whether financial requirements in Uganda’s electoral process create barriers for youthful and underprivileged aspirants.
The Kawempe North race, which has already drawn major political contenders, remains a battleground between the ruling NRM and the opposition NUP. Damulira’s setback highlights broader concerns about the accessibility of Uganda’s political arena to ordinary citizens.
With the nomination window closing soon, Damulira faces an uphill battle to raise the necessary funds if he is to keep his political dream alive.
He promised his supporters that by 5pm in the evening everything is going to be sort and his name will appear on the ballot paper no matter what.
