Newly elected Kawempe North MP Elias Nalukoola Luyimbazi has brought together an impressive legal team of nine law firms to defend his victory in the March 13, 2025, by-election, which is currently under legal challenge.
The legal challenge comes from Faridah Nambi Kigongo, his rival from the National Resistance Movement (NRM), who has petitioned the High Court seeking the annulment of the election results and a fresh poll.
Nalukoola, who ran under the National Unity Platform (NUP), garnered 17,939 votes according to the Electoral Commission, defeating Nambi, who polled 9,058.
In response to the court petition, Nalukoola has retained a coalition of legal heavyweights, including GEM Advocates, Reeve Advocates, Nyanzi, Kiboneka & Mbabazi Advocates, Alaka & Company Advocates, Kaganzi & Company Advocates, Mbabali & Company Advocates, Ahamark Advocates, PACE Advocates, and his personal firm, Nalukoola Advocates and Solicitors.
George Musisi is leading the defense team and has already filed a notice of address with Nambi’s lawyers, led by Ahmed Kalule of Crane Associates. The legal team plans to file a formal reply to the petition after reviewing all claims.
Nambi’s petition alleges widespread irregularities and electoral malpractice. She accuses Nalukoola of breaching electoral laws by campaigning near polling stations, specifically citing incidents at Mbogo Primary School Playground and Kazo Angola LCI Office where he reportedly made political statements and rallied support using NUP slogans.
She also claims that Nalukoola’s agents were seen displaying his posters at polling centres, urging people to vote for him—an act she says influenced voters unlawfully.
Additionally, Nambi alleges voter intimidation and obstruction, naming several individuals close to Nalukoola’s campaign, including Ronald Balimwezo and Bonny Bukenya, for allegedly preventing some voters from casting their ballots at Kalanda’s Compound polling station.
Perhaps the most serious charge in the petition is the alleged disenfranchisement of voters. Nambi contends that results from 14 polling stations, accounting for over 16,000 votes, were omitted from the final tally. She accuses the Electoral Commission of failing to ensure a fair and transparent voting process and names the commission as the second respondent in the case.
The case is expected to draw significant attention as it moves through the court system, with both legal teams preparing for what promises to be a high-stakes battle over the legitimacy of Kawempe North’s parliamentary seat.
