The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) through its Central Executive Committee (CEC) has rejected the results of Kawempe North by-election held on Thursday, March 13, 2025.
Citing widespread electoral malpractices including voter intimidation, ballot stuffing and misconduct by election officials, the party has vowed to challenge the outcome in court.
Meanwhile, the opposition is celebrating what they call a decisive victory.
The by-election saw NUP candidate Elias Nalukoola emerge victorious defeating his NRM rival Faridah Nambi in what has been described as a landslide win.
However, NRM leadership has refused to concede claiming the election was anything but free and fair.
Speaking to the press on Saturday morning, NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong stated that after reviewing reports from their polling agents and legal teams, the party concluded that the election was marred by severe irregularities.
“We are dissatisfied with the outcome of the by-election, and the Central Executive Committee has directed our legal team to challenge the results in courts of law,” Todwong declared.
He further claimed that over 50,000 voters had been excluded after the Electoral Commission canceled results from over 50 polling stations.
He also accused the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) of orchestrating acts of violence against NRM supporters.
“There were clear cases of ballot stuffing, voter intimidation and violence by NUP supporters. We believe this election was not credible and cannot be accepted in its current form,” Todwong added.
On the other hand, opposition leaders have dismissed NRM’s allegations as baseless labeling them aa a desperate attempt to cling to power.
Elias Luyimbazi Nalukoola, the newly elected MP for Kawempe North addressed an overjoyed crowd of supporters emphasizing that the people had made their choice and it must be respected.
“This is a victory for democracy and the people of Kawempe North. No amount of intimidation or legal maneuvering can take it away,” Nalukoola said amid cheers from his supporters.
Meanwhile, political analysts argue that the NRM’s rejection of the results is part of a broader strategy to delay Nalukoola’s swearing-in and cast doubts on the legitimacy of the election. The move they say, could create prolonged political uncertainty in the constituency and beyond.
With NRM threatening legal action, Electoral Commission is now under pressure to defend its handling of the by-election and if the case proceeds to court, it could set a precedent for future electoral disputes particularly in opposition strongholds like Kawempe North.
