Uganda, Feb. 11 -- This trend of close relatives, often children, succeeding their family members in Uganda's elective political offices has become all too common. Once criticised by the opposition, it has severally found itself embraced by those very critics.

Instances abound: when Susan Namaganda, then Bukomansimbi District Woman MP, passed away, Democratic Party (DP) swiftly anointed her sister, Veronicah Nanyondo, to succeed her, emerging victorious in the subsequent by-election through sympathy votes.

Similarly, in the wake of Robina Ssentongo's death during the 2020-21 electoral season, DP nominated her 24-year-old daughter, Ms Fortunate Rose Nantongo, to replace her in the race for the Kyotera Woman MP seat-and she won.

While th...