Why Hajati Madina Nsereko Won Kawempe South

Hajati Madina Nsereko is the Kawempe South Member of Parliament-elect. Running on the National Resistance Movement (NRM) ticket, Nsereko defeated candidates from both opposition parties and independents, securing victory in a constituency often viewed as competitive and politically diverse.

Nsereko polled 18,591 votes, beating her closest rival, Fred Nyanzi of the National Unity Platform (NUP), who garnered 11,292 votes. Dr. Roy Ssemboga, an independent candidate aligned with NUP, came third with 4,111 votes, followed by Ismail Tenywa with 472 votes, and Muhammad Nsubuga polled 350 votes. Other candidates included Hassan Ssenkungu of the People’s Front for Freedom, Fatima Nansubuga of the Democratic Front, Dafala Ssekanjako, Faisal Ddamulira, and Musa Kyagulanyi, among others. 

A key factor in Nsereko’s victory was her long-standing connection to Kawempe South. Unlike some of her competitors—particularly Fred Nyanzi, whom critics accused of relocating to the constituency mainly for electoral purposes- Nsereko has lived in Kawempe South for most of her life. Aisha Namawejje, a resident of Mulago, said Nsereko grew up in the area with her parents, who are well-known members of the community. This shared background, she noted, helped Nsereko connect easily with voters and earn their trust.

Nsereko’s 25 years of service in local leadership also played a significant role in her victory. She has served in various capacities, including as a government coordinator for several development programmes. She was involved in the National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS) programme in Kawempe Division and advocated for urban poor water supply projects, initiatives that improved living conditions and enhanced her visibility and credibility among residents.

Support from women and market traders proved crucial to Nsereko’s campaign. Daisy Nakato Buule, a vendor at Bivamuntuuyo Market in Kalerwe, credited Nsereko for introducing the “Katale Loan” initiative, a government-backed scheme that enabled vendors—especially single mothers and widows—to access loans ranging from UGX 100,000 to UGX 1 million. The loans were disbursed via mobile phones, reducing reliance on exploitative money lenders and easing financial pressure on market women.

Nakato also cited Nsereko’s involvement in community initiatives, including support for the education of vulnerable children and assistance during burial ceremonies.

Paul Ssenkungu, a resident of Kibe Zone, said Nsereko’s engagement with young people began long before her parliamentary bid. He noted that she helped secure jobs for many youths and supported youth savings groups such as Kaserengeto SACCO, strengthening youth-led economic initiatives.

Although religion plays a more visible role in neighbouring Kawempe North, it was not a defining issue in Kawempe South. The constituency is predominantly Christian, and while Nsereko is Muslim, she emphasised inclusivity. She pointed to her role in facilitating a government programme that enabled Kampala imams to travel to Mecca for Umrah, which earned her goodwill among Muslim voters.

Nsereko also benefited from divisions within the opposition, particularly the National Unity Platform. Disagreements between supporters of Fred Nyanzi and those backing Dr. Roy Ssemboga fragmented the opposition vote, weakening NUP’s overall performance.

Nsereko’s political journey in Kawempe South dates back to 1997, when she served as a youth leader. She later held positions as LC1, LC2, LC3, and LC5 councillor, including 10 years as an LC5 councillor, coordinating government programmes and building strong ties with the community.

She also served as a commissioner in the Ministry of Lands, where residents say she used part of her earnings to support grassroots initiatives. Kawempe South was previously represented by Bashir Kazibwe of the National Unity Platform, who later fell out with his party and did not return to contest for another term.

Some voters said Kazibwe did not effectively articulate their concerns in Parliament, prompting them to seek a representative they believe can better present their views in the August House—expectations now firmly placed on Hajati Madina Nsereko.