Summary:
The Electoral Commission officially declared Nalukoola the winner, confirming that he decisively defeated his closest challenger, Namabi Faridah Kigongo of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), who garnered 8,593 votes.
KAMPALA: Elias Luyimbazi Nalukoola, the National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate, has won the Kawempe North parliamentary by-election in a landslide, securing 17,764 votes.
His victory comes after the passing of former MP Muhammad Ssegirinya, whose death left the seat vacant.
The Electoral Commission officially declared Nalukoola the winner, confirming that he decisively defeated his closest challenger, Namabi Faridah Kigongo of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), who garnered 8,593 votes.
The final results were announced at Makerere University, which served as the official tallying center.
Final Tally of Leading Candidates
Elias Luyimbazi Nalukoola (NUP) – 17,764 votes
Namabi Faridah Kigongo (NRM) – 8,593 votes
Hanifah Karadi Murerwa (Independent) – 381 votes
Sadat Mukiibi (FDC) – 239 votes
Henry Mubiru Kasacca (DP) – 100 votes
Despite a largely peaceful voting process, the election was marred by reports of violence and intimidation by security forces.
Journalists covering the election faced harassment, beatings, and arrests, while opposition activists were targeted in what appeared to be a coordinated crackdown.
Witnesses reported heavy police and military deployment in Kawempe North, particularly around polling stations and Makerere University, where results were being tallied.
Several NUP supporters were detained, and journalists attempting to document events were assaulted or had their equipment confiscated.
Human rights groups have condemned the violence, calling it an attack on press freedom and democratic participation.
Opposition leaders also criticized the intimidation tactics, arguing that state security forces were attempting to suppress dissent and undermine the credibility of the electoral process.
The results reaffirm NUP’s stronghold in Kampala, where the opposition party continues to outperform the ruling NRM.
Under the leadership of Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (Bobi Wine), NUP has maintained widespread support, particularly in urban areas.
In his victory speech, Luyimbazi Elias Nalukoola dedicated his win to the late Muhammad Ssegirinya and vowed to fight for the rights of the people of Kawempe North.
“This victory is not just mine. It belongs to the people of Kawempe North and the late Hon. Ssegirinya, who sacrificed so much for this community. I will continue his legacy and stand up for the people against oppression and injustice,” Nalukoola declared.
While the election took place under heavy security, voter turnout was moderate.
Total ballots issued: 28,002
Valid votes: 27,596
Rejected ballots: 406
Spoiled ballots: 49
Returning Officer Henry Makabayi officially declared Elias Luyimbazi Nalukoola the winner, confirming that he had secured the highest number of votes in accordance with the Parliamentary Elections Act.
