Balaam Barugahara, the Minister for Youth and Children’s Affairs, has publicly expressed dissatisfaction with the results of the Kawempe North by-election, accusing the National Unity Platform (NUP) of electoral fraud and claiming that the National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidate, Faridah Nambi, was unjustly denied the seat.
The by-election, which saw the NUP’s Elias Luyimbazi Nalukoola securing victory with 17,764 votes, was overshadowed by allegations of malpractice and a low voter turnout. Nalukoola defeated Nambi, who earned 8,593 votes. However, the process was marred by controversy, with many questioning the legitimacy of the election due to heavy security presence and claims of voter intimidation.
Balaam took to social media to express his discontent, congratulating Nalukoola on his win but suggesting that the election was tainted by fraud.
“Congratulations, Hon. Luyimbazi Nalukoola, on your win in the Kawempe North Parliamentary by-election. I wish you well, despite concerns about the election’s legitimacy. Our candidate was cheated,” he posted on X.
His comments align with longstanding accusations from President Museveni, who has previously accused NUP of rigging elections won by his party in the past. Balaam also urged NRM supporters to unite and “reclaim the seat in 2026,” despite the fact that the seat has never been held by the NRM.
For NUP, Nalukoola’s victory was anticipated, given the strong opposition sentiment in the constituency. However, opposition figures highlighted reports of intimidation leading up to the election.
Ahead of the vote, Chief of Defence Forces General Muhoozi Kainerugaba made a controversial statement, declaring that “NRM must win Kawempe North even if it means killing all polling agents, do it.” The comment, which was widely condemned, raised further concerns about potential state interference in the electoral process.
Despite these tensions, NUP supporters turned out in significant numbers, ultimately securing the seat in what they regard as a symbolic victory following their disputed loss in the 2021 Kayunga LC5 by-election. “This is not my victory. It is the victory of Uganda and the people of Kawempe North,” Nalukoola stated. “I thank NUP and all our leaders, the foot soldiers, and the people of Kawempe North for standing firm. Your voice has been heard.”
Independent candidate Hanifah Karadi, who placed third with 381 votes, also raised concerns about voter suppression, including pre-ticked ballots and intimidation. She pointed to the heavy security presence as a factor discouraging voter participation. “While the voting day appeared calm, many voters were hesitant to turn up due to the heavy security deployment,” Karadi said.
The widespread deployment of armed security personnel in the lead-up to the election, alongside reports of harassment targeting journalists, fueled further allegations of voter suppression.
