Elias Nalukoola, the National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate for the Kawempe North parliamentary by-election, has reported that his agent was abducted and his official nomination documents were stolen just ahead of today’s nomination process.
Standing outside the Electoral Commission (EC) offices in Kawempe, Nalukoola appeared frustrated, explaining that the missing documents, including receipts for his paid nomination fees, were essential for his candidacy. As a result, he was denied access to the EC offices.
“This morning has been terrible. What has happened is unjust. But we will not give up or abandon our mission of advancing democracy in Uganda,” Elias Nalukoola told reporters.
Elias Nalukoola further accused the government of being behind the abduction and called on Ugandans who value peace and democracy to condemn the incident.
The EC commenced the nomination process today for candidates contesting the Kawempe North parliamentary by-election and the Kazo-Angola councillor seat.
According to EC spokesperson Julius Mucunguzi, the nomination exercise will run from Wednesday, February 26, to Thursday, February 27, at the EC offices in Kawempe, located near Akamwesi Mall along Gayaza Road.
The Kawempe North seat6 became vacant following the death of Muhammad Ssegirinya on January 9, 2025, after weeks of hospitalization.
The Kazo-Angola councillor seat also became vacant after the death of Yusuf Yakubu Kiggundu in a 2022 road accident while campaigning for an NUP candidate in Omoro District.
The Electoral Commission has scheduled the by-election for March 13, 2025.