The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has announced plans to seek legal redress over the financial losses it suffered during the Kawempe North by-election where its candidate, Sadat Mukiibi popularly known as Kalifah AgaNaga recorded a shockingly poor performance coming in the 5th position with 239 votes.
Addressing the media today at their headquarters in Najjanankumbi, FDC party president Patrick Oboi Amuriat claim the election was marred by violence, intimidation and vote rigging leading to a distorted outcome that does not reflect its true strength in the constituency.
The party is now demanding compensation for the funds spent on the campaign arguing that the Electoral Commission failed to ensure a free and fair process.
“We shall be embarking on a court process to demand cost incurred during this election exercise for our candidate,” said FDC president Amuriat.
The decision to sue for election costs is unprecedented in Uganda’s political landscape. Typically, opposition parties challenge results rather than financial losses making FDC’s move both bold and controversial.
Party President claims that millions were spent on logistics, campaign rallies, agents and publicity only for the election to be hijacked by state-sponsored violence.
The biggest shock was FDC’s dismal performance in a constituency where it has historically had a strong presence.
“As we congratulate the declared winner of the by election, we wish to cast doubt on the result allocated to our candidate which places him a distant 5th in the contest. Having previously participated in elections in Kawempe North, we affirm that this result can never be a reflection of our strength in this particular constituency and believe that this could have been caused by the confusion created by the military in some polling stations including those whose votes never got to be counted,” said party Amuriat.
Kalifah AgaNaga, a popular musician-turned-politician was expected to perform far better yet he fell to a distant position raising questions about whether voter suppression, intimidation, or electoral fraud played a role.
FDC has accused Ugandan security forces including the Uganda Police, Military Police, ISO, SFC and JATT operatives of turning the election into a war zone.
Several FDC leaders including Councilor Ngobi Edris, Kiirya Ngobi, Kavuma Moses, Nvanungi Richard and Kintu John were arrested and detained at Kawempe Police Station while other opposition supporters faced harassment and physical assault.
Even journalists were not spared. Reports indicate that Top TV’s Ibrahim Miracle sustained severe eye injuries requiring surgery at Nsambya Hospital while other reporters were beaten, arrested and their equipment confiscated.
The ruling NRM has already announced plans to contest the election results in court after losing the seat.
“Whereas the NRM has a right to contest the outcome of the by- election, we in the FDC view Mr. Museveni’s challenge as an attempt to undermine the democratic process and disregard the will of the people. We believe the people of Kawempe North have made their choice clear, despite the intimidating presence of security forces, bribery, and rigging machinery,” he added.
