The High Court in Kampala is set to hold a preliminary hearing on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, for the election petition contesting the victory of Mr. Elias Nalukoola, the National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate, in the Kawempe North by-election.
The hearing will serve as a scheduling conference where all parties will agree on key facts that will guide the trial judge in handling the case.
“Please note that the scheduling conference for this case is scheduled for April 30, 2025, at 9:00 a.m., or shortly thereafter as the conference can be convened in court,” reads a notice signed by registrar Mr. Simon Kintu Zirintusa.
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The notice further warns that if any party fails to appear in person or through legal representation, the conference will proceed in their absence.
Ms. Faridah Nambi Kigongo, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidate, filed the petition, citing allegations of electoral malpractices and irregularities.
She accuses Nalukoola and his team of engaging in unlawful practices such as campaigning on election day, obstructing election officials and voters, and bribery.
“The petitioner asserts that there was widespread non-compliance with the Parliamentary Elections Act, which significantly influenced the election outcome,” the court documents state.
According to Ms. Nambi, Nalukoola’s agents and supporters—including Julius Mutebi, Mathias Walukagga, and Hon. Kiyaga Hillary, popularly known as ‘Dr. Hilderman’—interfered with the voting process at polling stations like Kazo Angola (NAKK-NAMAS) on Bosa’s Road by directing polling officials and handling voter rolls, despite not being accredited polling agents.
Additionally, Ms. Nambi faults the Electoral Commission for failing to return results from 14 polling stations, a lapse that she says affected 16,640 registered voters.
Through her legal representatives at MESSRS Crane Associated Advocates, she is seeking a court ruling declaring that the irregularities violated the Parliamentary Elections Act and materially influenced the election results.
In response, Mr. Nalukoola has denied all allegations, including voter bribery, election day campaigning under the slogan “Nze Nalukoola,” and obstruction of electoral processes.
The Electoral Commission also defended the election outcome, asserting that the polls were conducted in a free, fair, transparent, and verifiable manner and that the declared results accurately reflected the will of the electorate.
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