The Electoral Commission (EC) has formally filed a defense in response to a petition by Faridah Nambi Kigongo, who is challenging the results of the March 2025 Kawempe North by-election. The EC has asked the High Court to dismiss the petition, describing it as “frivolous” and lacking in merit.
Nambi filed the petition two weeks ago, alleging widespread irregularities during the by-election in which Elias Nalukoola Luyimbazi was declared the winner with 17,939 votes, against her 9,058. She claims that voter disenfranchisement occurred at 14 polling stations, where results were allegedly excluded from the final tally, and demands a fresh by-election.
In her petition, Nambi accuses Nalukoola of violating electoral laws by campaigning inside polling stations. One such incident allegedly took place at Kazo Angola polling station, where Nalukoola is said to have addressed voters with the phrase: “Amaanyi g’abantu temugalyaamu olukwe” (“do not betray People Power”).
She further claims that Nalukoola’s agents distributed campaign materials and money—including UGX 5,000 bribes—to sway voters at multiple polling stations. A major concern raised in her petition is the failure to count or declare results from several polling centers, such as Mbogo Primary School Play Ground and Kazo Angola. She alleges that 16,640 votes were never announced, further undermining the integrity of the election.
Additionally, Nambi accuses Nalukoola’s agents of obstructing voters from casting their ballots at several locations.
In its response, the Electoral Commission insists the by-election was conducted in a free, fair, and transparent manner. Led by its legal team under lawyer Eric Sabiiti, the EC argues that all votes counted were verifiable, and that all electoral materials were handled properly and securely.
The Commission dismissed Nambi’s allegations of bribery and misconduct as “afterthoughts,” asserting that there is no credible evidence to support the claims. According to the EC, the issues raised did not significantly impact the final results of the election.
Their position is supported by an affidavit from Makabayi Henry, the Returning Officer, who stated that the vote counting process was conducted in full view of all candidates’ agents, police officers, and other relevant stakeholders.
Speaking to Uganda Radio Network, Lawyer Eric Sabiiti expressed confidence in the EC’s case:
“We have reviewed the petition thoroughly and filed our response accordingly. We will soon file additional evidence to show that this petition is without merit.”
Despite the EC’s push for dismissal, Nambi remains resolute in her call for justice. She continues to accuse Nalukoola of personally overseeing electoral malpractices and insists that his victory be nullified.
The case raises important questions about electoral integrity in Uganda, particularly around the conduct of candidates and their agents during campaigns. With both parties preparing for a protracted legal battle, the fate of the Kawempe North seat now lies in the hands of the High Court.
While the hearing date is yet to be set, Nambi is pressing for a new election, and Nalukoola is preparing a robust legal defense backed by a coalition of nine law firms. The court’s decision could carry lasting implications for Uganda’s electoral process and public confidence in future elections.
