The Leader of Opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi, has urged the newly elected Kawempe North MP, Elias Nalukoola, to remain steadfast in the struggle and not betray the people who entrusted him with their vote. Speaking at a press briefing, Ssenyonyi, who also serves as the National Unity Platform (NUP) spokesperson, reminded Nalukoola of the sacrifices made in the 2021 general elections, where several opposition members were injured, imprisoned, or even lost their lives while fighting for change.

“Let me hope that you, Nalukoola, will not betray the people of Kawempe who voted against all the pressure,” Ssenyonyi stated, emphasizing the importance of standing firm against the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).

Meanwhile, NUP leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, accused the ruling party of failing to accept defeat in the Kawempe North by-election. He revealed that the NRM was planning to challenge the election results in court, a move he described as an attempt to overturn the people’s will. He commended the residents of Kawempe North for courageously defending their victory despite state intimidation and heavy deployment of security forces.

“You have proven that power belongs to the people. That same spirit must be carried forward to the general election,” Bobi Wine charged supporters. He also demanded accountability for missing persons and called for the immediate release of all political prisoners.

During the press conference, some NUP supporters who were injured in the violent by-election crackdown narrated their painful experiences. Some, still on crutches, bore visible wounds, while others recounted horrifying encounters with state operatives, particularly members of the Joint Anti-Terrorism Taskforce (JATT), whom they accused of unleashing brutality to suppress opposition supporters.

As the struggle for democracy continues, NUP leaders vowed to stand with the people and resist any attempts to undermine their hard-earned victory.