Kampala, Uganda – May 26, 2025

In a landmark ruling, the High Court in Kampala has nullified the election of Luyimbazi Elias Nalukoola as the Member of Parliament for Kawempe Division North, declaring the seat vacant.

Justice Bernard Namanya delivered the verdict on Monday, citing significant electoral irregularities that undermined the integrity of the March 13, 2025, by-election.

The court has ordered the Electoral Commission to organize a fresh election to determine the constituency’s new representative.

Background of the Case

The Kawempe North by-election was held following the death of former MP Muhammad Ssegirinya in January 2025. Luyimbazi Elias Nalukoola, representing the National Unity Platform (NUP), emerged victorious with 17,939 votes, defeating his closest rival, Faridah Nambi Kigongo of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), who garnered 9,058 votes. However, Nambi challenged the results, filing a petition with the High Court’s Civil Division, alleging widespread electoral malpractices, including voter bribery, campaigning on polling day, and voter disenfranchisement.

Court’s Findings

Justice Namanya’s 50-page judgment outlined two primary reasons for the nullification. First, the court found that 16,640 voters across 14 polling stations, including Nambi herself, were disenfranchised due to the Electoral Commission’s failure to include their votes in the final tally. This exclusion significantly affected the election’s outcome, given that the winning margin between Nalukoola and Nambi was approximately 8,881 votes.

Second, the court established that Nalukoola personally engaged in illegal campaigning on election day at Mbogo Primary School Playground and Kazo Angola LCI Office polling stations. These actions violated Section 100 of the Parliamentary Elections Act, which prohibits campaigning on polling day. Testimonies from witnesses, including photographic evidence and affidavits, supported allegations of voter bribery by Nalukoola’s agents, who reportedly distributed items like salt, soap, and cash to influence voters.

Reactions to the Ruling

Nalukoola, a lawyer and prominent NUP figure, expressed disappointment but maintained his innocence. “I respect the court’s decision, but I categorically deny any wrongdoing. I did not campaign on polling day, and I had no knowledge of such activities by my supporters,” he told reporters outside the court. He has not yet confirmed whether he will appeal the ruling.

Faridah Nambi welcomed the decision, calling it “a victory for electoral justice and the people of Kawempe North.” She argued that the disenfranchisement and malpractices distorted the true will of the voters and expressed confidence in participating in the upcoming by-election.

Implications and Next Steps

The court’s ruling marks the second time in just over a year that Kawempe North will hold a parliamentary by-election, following the nullification of Muhammad Ssegirinya’s 2021 election. The Electoral Commission is now tasked with announcing a roadmap for the fresh election, expected to take place in the coming weeks. The decision has reignited debates about electoral transparency, security force involvement, and the credibility of Uganda’s democratic processes as the country approaches the 2026 general elections.

The Kawempe North constituency, a stronghold of the opposition NUP, has been a focal point of political tension. The March by-election was marred by allegations of violence, voter intimidation, and harassment of journalists, with NUP accusing state security forces of targeting their supporters. Political analysts suggest that the upcoming by-election will be closely watched as a litmus test for Uganda’s electoral integrity.

The nullification of Nalukoola’s election underscores the judiciary’s role in upholding electoral laws and ensuring fair representation. As Kampala prepares for another by-election, all eyes will be on the Electoral Commission to conduct a transparent and credible process. For the residents of Kawempe North, this ruling offers a renewed opportunity to choose their representative in a constituency known for its vibrant and often contentious political landscape.

Stay tuned for updates on the Electoral Commission’s announcement regarding the fresh election schedule.