Uganda’s leading opposition party has denounced a High Court ruling that nullified the election of Elias Luyimbaazi Nalukoola as Kawempe North MP, calling it a politically biased decision that undermines democratic progress.
The National Unity Platform (NUP) and Nalukoola’s legal team criticized the ruling as legally unsound and unrepresentative of the electorate’s will, vowing to challenge it in the Court of Appeal.
“We respect the High Court’s authority but strongly disagree with the verdict,” said George Musisi, Nalukoola’s lawyer. “This ruling is a step backward for democracy. We believe the Court of Appeal will reverse it when it reviews the evidence under the law.”
The High Court ruling, delivered by email, declared the Kawempe North parliamentary seat vacant and directed the Electoral Commission to conduct a new election.
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Justice Bernard Namanya cited violations of the Parliamentary Elections Act during the March 13, 2025 by-election, including the disenfranchisement of over 16,000 eligible voters and Nalukoola’s illegal campaigning on polling day—factors he said tainted the election’s integrity.
The case was brought by NRM’s Nambi Faridah Kigongo, who lost the race with 8,593 votes against Nalukoola’s 17,764. She alleged electoral malpractice, including ballot tampering, voter intimidation, and disruptions in NRM-dominated areas.
Her lawyer, Ahmed Mukasa Kalule, welcomed the ruling, declaring it a victory for the people of Kawempe North, the NRM Central Executive Committee, and President Museveni.
The by-election had been marked by a heavy military presence, arrests of opposition agents, and violent crackdowns on journalists. Over 20 reporters were assaulted, with several requiring medical treatment.
Human rights groups condemned the excessive use of force and raised concerns over a deteriorating democratic climate ahead of Uganda’s 2026 general elections.
President Museveni defended the military deployment, accusing the opposition of committing “micro-crimes” and attempting to destroy ballot boxes—allegations the opposition firmly denied.
Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission confirmed it was preparing for a new vote as instructed by the court.
EC lawyer Eric Sabiiti said the commission would not appeal the ruling and was ready to organize the by-election. However, no date for the fresh poll had been announced at the time of reporting.
According to Ugandan law, if a parliamentary seat becomes vacant, the Clerk to Parliament must inform the Electoral Commission within 10 days. A by-election must then be held within 60 days, unless the vacancy occurs within six months of a general election—scheduled for early 2026.
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