Lawyer Elias Luyimbaazi Nalukoola has emerged victorious in the fiercely contested Kawempe North by-election in Kampala.
Nalukoola, the candidate from the National Unity Platform (NUP), secured 17,764 votes, defeating his closest opponent, Faridah Nambi of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), who garnered 8,593 votes.
The Electoral Commission announced the results at their tally center at Makerere University.
“After tallying the votes as recorded on each declaration form in accordance with Section 72 of the Parliamentary Elections Act Cap 177, I hereby declare Nalukoola, who has received the highest number of votes, as the elected candidate for the Kawempe North constituency,” stated Henry Makabayi, the returning officer for Kampala district.
Independent candidate Hanifah Karadi received 381 votes, while Muhammed Lusswa Luwemba secured 240. Sadat Mukiibi, also known as Khalifah Aganaga of FDC, received 239 votes, followed by Muhamood Mutazindwa with 186 votes.
Other candidates included Henry Kasacca Mubiru (DP) with 100 votes, Ismail Musiitwa (PPP) with 39 votes, Moses Nsereko with 32 votes, and Stanley Maitum Engena, who finished with 22 votes.
With the results, Nalukoola is now the MP-elect for Kawempe North, pending his swearing-in to officially replace Muhammad Ssegirinya, who passed away on January 9, 2025.
“This is not just my victory, nor my party’s, but a victory for the people of Kawempe and all Ugandans. We still have a long journey ahead,” Nalukoola said after the announcement.
The election, however, was marred by violence, particularly against journalists, many of whom were violently attacked or abducted by security forces.
In response, journalists have declared a boycott of all activities involving the UPDF and Police until further notice.
