The High Court in Kampala has nullified the election of Hon. Elias Luyimbazi Nalukoola as the Member of Parliament for Kawempe Division North and directed the Electoral Commission to organize a fresh election.
In a ruling delivered by Justice Bernard Namanya, the court found that the by-election held earlier this year violated the Parliamentary Elections Act and that the irregularities significantly affected the outcome.
The judgment stemmed from a petition filed by NRM candidate Nambi Faridah Kigongo, who challenged Nalukoola’s victory. Nalukoola, a human rights lawyer and National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate, was declared the winner by the Electoral Commission.
Justice Namanya cited two major grounds for the annulment: the disenfranchisement of over 16,000 voters including Nambi herself and evidence that Nalukoola campaigned on election day at multiple polling stations, an offence under the Parliamentary Elections Act.
“The election of Luyimbazi Elias Nalukoola as a Directly Elected Member of Parliament for Kawempe Division North is set aside,” ruled Justice Namanya. “The seat is hereby declared vacant.”
Nambi’s petition alleged widespread voter irregularities, including bribery, intimidation, and the participation of non-residents. The case, which attracted national attention due to the political weight of the constituency, has now resulted in a court-mandated fresh poll.
The ruling was delivered electronically, as announced earlier by court registrar Simon Kintu Zirintusa.
The decision sets a precedent for future electoral disputes and underscores the need for strict adherence to electoral laws.
