Summary:
Despite extending congratulations to Elias Luyimbazi Nalukoola of the National Unity Platform (NUP), who won with 17,764 votes, Minister Barugahara provided no evidence to support his claims of electoral malpractice.
KAMPALA: The Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs, Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, has alleged that Faridah Nambi, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearer in the Kawempe North by-election, was cheated.
Despite extending congratulations to Elias Luyimbazi Nalukoola of the National Unity Platform (NUP), who won with 17,764 votes, Minister Barugahara provided no evidence to support his claims of electoral malpractice.
He reiterated that the ruling NRM government would not tolerate chaos in future elections and called on President Yoweri Museveni and Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s patriotic youth to unite and work towards reclaiming the seat in 2026.
“Congratulations, Hon. Luyimbazi Nalukoola, on your win in the Kawempe North Parliamentary by-election. I wish you well, despite concerns about the election’s legitimacy. To all H.E. Mzee @KagutaMuseveni and Gen. @mkainerugaba’s patriotic youth in Kawempe, let’s unite and work towards reclaiming the seat in 2026. We won’t tolerate chaos in future elections, but for now, I extend congratulations in the spirit of national unity. Our candidate was cheated,” Barugahara posted on his X handle.
The Electoral Commission on Thursday declared Nalukoola the winner, confirming that he decisively defeated his closest challenger, Nambi Faridah Kigongo of the NRM, who garnered 8,593 votes.
Under the leadership of Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (Bobi Wine), NUP has continued to maintain strong support, particularly in urban areas.
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 reportedly targeted in what appeared to be a coordinated crackdown.
Witnesses reported a heavy police and military presence 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.
