Elias Luyimbazi Nalukoola, the newly elected Member of Parliament for Kawempe North, has retained nine prominent law firms to defend his election victory, which is being contested in court by Faridah Nambi Kigongo of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
The Electoral Commission (EC) declared Nalukoola, a candidate from the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP), the winner of the by-election with 17,939 votes, defeating Nambi, who garnered 9,058 votes. However, Nambi has petitioned the court seeking the annulment of the results, citing irregularities.
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The petition, which is yet to be assigned a judge, stems from a by-election held following the death of former MP Muhammad Ssegirinya in January. Ten candidates participated in the vote, which was marred by widespread violence. Several media outlets withdrew their journalists from coverage due to safety concerns.
In her petition, Nambi—represented by a legal team led by Ahmed Kalule Mukasa—alleges electoral malpractice, including voter bribery, disenfranchisement at 14 polling stations, and illegal campaigning on polling day by Nalukoola and his supporters.
Specifically, she accuses Nalukoola of campaigning at polling stations by introducing himself to voters and chanting political slogans. She also claims his supporters displayed campaign posters at polling stations and attempted to influence voters through monetary inducements.
Further allegations include obstruction of voters at multiple polling centers by Nalukoola’s agents and political allies, among them MPs and local leaders.
Nambi has also sued the Electoral Commission for failing to ensure a free and fair electoral process. She claims the EC did not count or transmit results from the affected polling stations and failed to secure election materials, all in violation of multiple sections of the Parliamentary Elections Act.
The nine law firms enlisted by Nalukoola include Nyanzi, Kiboneka & Mbabazi Advocates; PACE Advocates; Nalukoola Advocates & Solicitors; Alaka & Co. Advocates; Reeve Advocates; Gem Chambers; Ahamark Advocates; Kaganzi & Co. Advocates; and Mbabali & Co. Advocates. They are currently preparing a formal response to the petition.
Nambi contends that the alleged malpractices were conducted with Nalukoola’s knowledge and consent and has asked the court to nullify the election and call for a fresh vote.
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