The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) is considering legal action after its candidate, Faridah Nambi, was defeated in the Kawempe North by-election by the National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate, Nalukoola. The election, held on Thursday, saw Nalukoola emerge victorious with 17,764 votes, more than doubling Nambi’s tally of 8,593 votes.
While addressing the press after an NRM caucus meeting at State House Entebbe on Friday, Government Chief Whip Hamson Obua revealed that party chairman President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni was still gathering information regarding alleged election irregularities. The NRM claims that incidents of ballot stuffing and voter intimidation may have influenced the outcome of the poll.
“In areas like Mpererwe, we have reports of ballot papers being destroyed, and in some surrounding areas, NRM voters were allegedly threatened not to participate in the exercise. These issues cannot be ignored,” Obua said.
The ruling party is now preparing to challenge Nalukoola’s victory in court, seeking to have the results annulled. However, the Electoral Commission, through Kampala District Returning Officer Henry Makabai, upheld the election results, declaring that the process was conducted in line with electoral laws.
Other candidates in the race performed dismally, with independent candidate Hanifah Karadi Mulerwa securing 381 votes, while Engena Stanley managed only 22 votes. The Democratic Party’s Henry Kasacca Mubiru garnered 100 votes, Muhammad Luswa Luwemba received 240 votes, and Sadat Mukiibi of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) got 239 votes.
The by-election was marred by reports of violence and electoral malpractice, which prompted some media houses to withdraw their reporters from the field for safety reasons. Observers have called on the Electoral Commission to investigate the claims and ensure transparency in future elections.
As NRM prepares for a legal battle, political analysts say the by-election results reflect the shifting political landscape in Kampala, where opposition parties, particularly NUP, continue to strengthen their foothold. Whether the courts will overturn Nalukoola’s victory remains to be seen, but the dispute underscores the growing political tensions ahead of future elections.