The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) is considering taking legal action after its candidate, Faridah Nambi, was defeated by the National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate, Nalukoola, in the Kawempe North by-election.
The election, held on Thursday, saw Nalukoola win with 17,764 votes, significantly outperforming Nambi, who received only 8,593 votes.
In a press briefing following an NRM caucus meeting at State House Entebbe on Friday, Government Chief Whip Hamson Obua announced that party chairman President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni was still gathering information on alleged irregularities during the election.
The NRM party claims that incidents such as ballot stuffing and voter intimidation may have skewed the results.
“We’ve received reports from areas like Mpererwe where ballot papers were allegedly destroyed. Additionally, NRM supporters in surrounding areas were reportedly threatened not to vote. These are serious concerns that must be addressed,” Obua said.
As a result, the NRM is preparing to challenge Nalukoola’s victory in court, seeking the annulment of the results. However, the Electoral Commission, through Kampala District Returning Officer Henry Makabai, has reaffirmed the election results, stating that the process was carried out in compliance with electoral laws.
Other candidates in the race performed poorly, with independent candidate Hanifah Karadi Mulerwa securing just 381 votes, and Engena Stanley receiving only 22 votes. The Democratic Party’s Henry Kasacca Mubiru garnered 100 votes, Muhammad Luswa Luwemba took 240 votes, and Sadat Mukiibi of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) earned 239 votes.
The by-election was marred by reports of violence and electoral malpractice, prompting some media outlets to withdraw their reporters for safety concerns. Observers have called for the Electoral Commission to investigate these claims and ensure greater transparency in future elections.
As the NRM prepares for a potential legal battle, political analysts suggest the by-election results reflect a shifting political landscape in Kampala, where opposition parties, particularly NUP, continue to solidify their influence.
Whether the courts will overturn Nalukoola’s victory remains uncertain, but the dispute highlights the increasing political tensions ahead of upcoming elections.
