The Hoima Post – Trustable News 24 -7
Kampala, Uganda – May 26, 2025
The High Court in Kampala has nullified the election of Hon. Elias Luyimbazi Nalukoola as the Member of Parliament for Kawempe North, ordering the Electoral Commission to conduct fresh elections. The ruling, delivered by Justice Bernard Namanya, cited voter disenfranchisement and illegal campaigning as key grounds for the decision.
However, the verdict has sparked outrage among voters and opposition supporters, who accuse the judiciary of being weaponized by the regime to overturn unfavorable electoral outcomes.
Court’s Ruling: A Questionable Decision?
Justice Namanya ruled that:
1. 16,640 voters were disenfranchised, including NRM’s Nambi Faridah Kigongo, who was allegedly denied the right to vote.
2. Nalukoola illegally campaigned on election day at Mbogo Primary School and Kazo Angola polling stations, violating the Parliamentary Elections Act.
The court declared the seat vacant and ordered a fresh election, with each party bearing its own costs.
What Really Happened on the Ground?
The March 2025 by-election was marred by military intimidation, voter suppression, and outright violence. Witnesses and independent observers reported:
Heavy military deployment: Soldiers and police occupied polling stations, harassing voters perceived to support NUP. Many were turned away under the guise of “verification failures.”
Ballot stuffing & pre-ticked ballots: At several stations, voters found pre-marked ballots favoring the NRM candidate.
NRM bribery & coercion: Voters reported being offered money, sugar, and soap in exchange for votes. Those who refused faced intimidation.
Nambi Faridah’s questionable residency: Multiple reports indicated that Nambi, daughter of NRM heavyweight Hajji Abdul Kiyimba, does not reside in Kawempe North. Locals allege she is leveraging her father’s political influence to hijack the seat.
Judicial Manipulation at Play?
The ruling raises serious concerns about judicial independence in Uganda. Legal analyst Dr. Robert Ssebunya notes:
“This judgment follows a disturbing pattern where courts nullify opposition victories on technicalities while ignoring blatant electoral crimes committed by the regime. The same court turned a blind eye to military brutality and voter suppression—yet now claims the election was unfair because Nalukoola ‘campaigned’ on polling day?”
NUP spokesperson Joel Ssenyonyi stated:
“The regime lost on the ground, so they are using the courts to steal what they couldn’t win. How does the judiciary ignore soldiers beating voters but invalidate an election because of alleged campaigning?”
What’s Next for Kawempe North?
The Electoral Commission is expected to announce a new election date soon. However, given the previous crackdown, there are fears of even worse repression in the rerun.
A Voter’s Anguish
Mariam Nakitto, a Kawempe North resident, lamented:
“We braved teargas, beatings, and arrests to vote last time. Now the court says our votes don’t matter? If Nambi couldn’t win even with soldiers helping her, how will she win a free election?”
Conclusion: Democracy Under Siege
The nullification of Nalukoola’s victory reinforces fears that Uganda’s judiciary is an extension of the executive’s political machinery. As the country heads toward another sham election, the question remains: When will Ugandans be allowed to choose their leaders freely?
#FreeAndFairElections | #KawempeNorthDeservesBetter | #StopJudicialCoups
This is a developing story. Follow us for updates.
By Alexander Luyima
