The National Unity Platform (NUP) has reclaimed the Kawempe North parliamentary seat in a by-election marred by allegations of electoral malpractice. Government minister Balaam Barugahara dismissed the results as fraudulent.
Elias Luyimbazi Nalukoola, a lawyer and NUP candidate, won with 17,764 votes, defeating the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidate Faridah Nambi, who secured 8,593 votes.
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The low voter turnout and heavy security presence overshadowed the election, with NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya describing the win as “bittersweet.”
Balaam, the minister for youth and children’s affairs, expressed his discontent on social media, alleging the NRM was unfairly denied victory. “Our candidate was cheated,” he claimed, echoing President Museveni’s past accusations of electoral fraud against NUP.
He urged ruling party supporters to regroup and reclaim the seat in 2026, despite NRM never having held it.
For NUP, Nalukoola’s victory was anticipated, given the constituency’s strong opposition support. However, the election was fraught with alleged intimidation.
Before the vote, Chief of Defence Forces General Muhoozi Kainerugaba made a controversial remark: “NRM must win Kawempe North even if it means killing all polling agents.” His statement sparked widespread condemnation and raised concerns about state interference.
Despite the challenges, NUP supporters turned out in sufficient numbers, securing what they see as a symbolic win following their disputed loss in the 2021 Kayunga LC5 by-election.
“This victory belongs to the people of Kawempe North,” Nalukoola said. “I thank NUP, our leaders, foot soldiers, and all voters for standing firm. Your voice has been heard.”
Independent candidate Hanifah Karadi, who finished third with 381 votes, cited pre-ticked ballots and voter intimidation as major concerns. “Many voters hesitated to turn up due to the heavy security deployment,” she noted.
The election also saw a heavy crackdown on journalists, further fueling allegations of voter suppression.
Final Results:
- Elias Nalukoola (NUP) – 17,764
- Faridah Nambi (NRM) – 8,783
- Hanifah Karadi (IND) – 381
- Muhammad Lusswa (IND) – 240
- Sadat Mukiibi (FDC) – 100
- Henry Kasacca (DP) – 100
- Muhammad Mutumba Nsereko Lule (IND) – 49
Total ballots counted: 28,010
Spoiled ballots: 49
Registered voters: 199,000
Turnout: 14.1%
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