Members of Parliament have voiced frustration over the Electoral Commission’s delay in gazetting Elias Nalukoola, the newly elected Kawempe North MP, which has prevented his official swearing-in.
The issue was raised during the parliamentary sitting on Thursday, March 20, 2025, presided over by Speaker Anita Among. Kira Municipality MP, Hon. Ssemujju Nganda, questioned why Nalukoola had not yet taken his oath despite being declared the winner. He pointed out that in the recent Igara East by-election, Michael Mawanda was sworn in just a day after his victory was announced.
“Can we get clarification on when Nalukoola will be sworn in?” Ssemujju asked.
In response, Speaker Among explained that Parliament could not administer the oath until the Electoral Commission had officially gazetted Nalukoola’s victory. “We are waiting for the gazette. I need to hear from the Electoral Commission before we proceed,” she stated.
The Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi, expressed disappointment with the Electoral Commission’s inaction. He revealed that upon inquiry, the Commission cited unresolved internal matters as the reason for the delay.
“We are deeply concerned that the Electoral Commission has yet to fulfill its responsibility. Once a winner is declared, their role is purely administrative, and this delay raises serious questions,” Ssenyonyi remarked.
He also condemned the violent incidents reported during the by-election, accusing security forces of attacking opposition leaders, supporters, and journalists. “We have repeatedly raised concerns about election-related brutality in this House, yet the government remains unresponsive. We need answers on who authorized these actions,” he asserted.
Ssenyonyi criticized statements from certain government officials who downplayed the violence or suggested that opposition members staged attacks against themselves and journalists.
Hon. David Bahati, Minister of State for Trade, Industries, and Cooperatives (Industries), acknowledged reports of violence and assured Parliament that the government had visited an injured journalist at Nsambya Hospital, committing to covering his medical expenses.
Meanwhile, Lwemiyaga County MP, Hon. Theodore Ssekikubo, stressed that the Electoral Commission must act independently, regardless of political pressure. “This House must formally express its concern over the Commission’s handling of the Kawempe North by-election. If there are grievances, they should be addressed through legal means, but the people of Kawempe North must not be left without representation,” he stated.
Speaker Among instructed the Attorney General to follow up on the matter and ensure the process moves forward without further delays. She emphasized Parliament’s commitment to upholding the rights of voters in Kawempe North.
“We are equally concerned. As soon as the gazette is published, we will proceed with the swearing-in. It is in our best interest to have full representation in this House,” she concluded.
With mounting pressure from lawmakers, the Electoral Commission is now expected to provide an explanation and expedite Nalukoola’s official entry into Parliament.
