NUP's Nalukoola vows to defend Kawempe 'victory'

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Kawempe North Member of Parliament-elect Elias Luyimbaazi Nalukoola has vowed to defend his victory in court.

Nalukoola says: This win, however, is overshadowed by the mockery of democracy we witnessed. Without the rule of law, we hold sacred, this would not be an election but a farce. The militarisation of our electoral process demands that we stand firm, united, and resolute in defending our rights.

"We will defend this victory with every legal means available," he says.

The move comes after the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party is set to challenge the election results in courts of law over alleged vote rigging.

Nalukoola, who was Opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) flag-bearer, emerged winner in the March 13, 2025, byelection after garnering 17,764 votes. His closest competitor, NRM's Faridah Nambi got 8,593 votes, according to the official results announced by the Electoral Commission.

Other candidates received the following votes: Sadat Mukiibi (Forum for Democratic Change - FDC): 239 votes Henry Kasacca Mubiru (Democratic Party - DP): 100 votes Ismail Musiitwa (People’s Progressive Party - PPP): 39 votes Muhammed Lusswa Luwemba: 240 votes.

Hanifah Karadi Murewa: 381 votes Muhamood Mutazindwa: 186 votes Moses Nsereko: 32 votes Stanley Edward Maitum Engena: 22 votes.

The results were declared on March 14 by Henry Makabayi, the EC returning officer for Kawempe at Makerere University School of Public Health. Makabayi also reported that results from 15 polling stations were not returned due to the destruction of polling stations in Kazo Angola. 

However, the NRM central executive committee late last week instructed the party lawyers to challenge the results in courts of law alleging widespread electoral malpractice and violence.

In a statement, NRM secretary general Richard Todwong said: The cancelled polling stations represent more than 62% of the expected votes to be cast. This implies that the Independent Electoral Commission pronounced a winning candidate based on less than 40% of the expected votes to be cast –and thus affected the will and mandate of the population of Kawempe North constituency in a significant manner.

Nalukoola on March 17, said the violence, which marred the electoral process, was orchestrated by some elements in security and that he has evidence to defend his victory.