Today, Elias Nalukoola Luyimbazi has officially taken the oath as the Member of Parliament for Kawempe North.
The swearing-in ceremony presided over by Speaker Anita Among in her chambers at Parliament, finally concludes a prolonged electoral journey marred by delays, legal battles and heated public discourse.
Nalukoola’s path to the parliamentary chambers has been anything but smooth. The by-election held on March 13, 2025, was followed by an agonizing eleven-day wait for the gazetting of results.
Many questioned why the Electoral Commission (EC) a body mandated to ensure the timely release of results dragged its feet.
Speaker Among attributed the delay to the EC’s failure to officially gazette the by-election outcome on time, a setback that fueled speculation and frustration.
This swearing-in comes amid serious allegations of result distortion. Members of the public and some political analysts have raised concerns over differences between the votes announced after counting and those gazetted by the EC.
Opposition argue that Faridah Nambi NRM candidate, was suspiciously awarded more votes from 8,593 to 9,058 in the final gazette sparking fears of electoral malpractice.
Despite the rocky process, Nalukoola maintained an optimistic tone during his swearing-in.
“Today is not just my victory, it is Kawempe North’s victory. We have shown resilience in the face of adversity, and I commit to serving my people with diligence and integrity,” he stated.
This episode is more than just another political footnote, it is a test for the Electoral Commission’s credibility.
Repeated delays and perceived inconsistencies threaten to erode public confidence in Uganda’s democratic processes.
Observers argue that unless the EC improves its transparency and efficiency, the country risks sliding into a cycle of disputed elections.
With the swearing-in now complete, the focus shifts to Nalukoola’s legislative agenda.
For the people of Kawempe North, the hope is that this new chapter brings not just political rhetoric but tangible change.
