The Electoral Commission (EC) has officially responded to a court petition filed by Faridah Nambi Kigongo, who is challenging Elias Nalukoola Luyimbazi’s victory in the recent Kawempe North parliamentary by-election.

In documents submitted to the High Court, the EC firmly denied allegations of electoral misconduct during the March 13, 2025 by-election, maintaining that the poll was conducted fairly, transparently, and in strict compliance with the Constitution and the Parliamentary Elections Act.

According to the EC, Nalukoola was declared the winner with 17,939 votes, comfortably ahead of Nambi’s 9,058 votes. Dissatisfied with the results, Nambi lodged a petition two weeks ago, accusing the Commission of failing to properly manage the election and calling for a fresh poll. She claims that voter results from 14 polling stations were omitted and that voters were disenfranchised as a result.

Additionally, Nambi alleges that Nalukoola campaigned on polling day at various locations, including Mbogo Primary School Playground, where he is said to have addressed voters and promoted his candidacy, acts she argues were unlawful.

The petition also accuses the EC of failing in its duties to secure the electoral environment, properly count votes, safeguard election materials, and ensure transparency during the transmission of results.

However, the EC, through an affidavit by returning officer Henry Makabayi, insists that the election process was handled correctly, with all procedures conducted in the presence of party agents, candidates, security personnel, and observers.

Led by lawyer Eric Sabiiti, the EC’s legal team described Nambi’s petition as “frivolous” and without substance, asserting that any minor issues raised did not impact the election’s final result. Sabiiti also hinted that additional evidence would soon be presented to reinforce their defence, suggesting Nambi’s case was weak from the outset.

Nambi further accuses Nalukoola and his agents of widespread voter bribery, alleging that cash and household goods like salt, soap, bread, and tea were distributed to influence voters. Specific incidents cited include a voter allegedly being handed Shs 5,000 under a jackfruit tree near a shrine in Kiganda Zone.

She claims that Nalukoola himself participated in handing out cash, offering Shs 5,000 and Shs 10,000 to voters in different locations  actions she believes should void his election under the Parliamentary Elections Act.

The court is yet to schedule a hearing date, as Nalukoola, who has assembled a team from nine different law firms, prepares to file his formal response.