Joseph Ssematimba, a resident of Namale in Kawempe North, said he was not surprised by the court ruling, citing the chaotic nature of the by-election. “Ssematimba noted that the deployment of military personnel and use of violence, including beatings and abductions, was a deliberate plan to influence the outcome, as the government couldn't accept defeat,” Ssematimba stated.
A section of voters in Kawempe North have expressed dissatisfaction with the High Court’s decision to nullify the election of their Member of Parliament, Erias Nalukoola Luyimbazi, who was elected in a by-election following the death of Muhammad Ssegirinya.
On Monday, the High Court in Kampala invalidated Nalukoola’s election, citing illegal campaigning on polling day and the disenfranchisement of over 16,000 voters. Delivering a 50-page judgment, Justice Bernard Namanya ruled that Nalukoola, who had been declared the winner with 17,939 votes under the National Unity Platform (NUP), personally breached electoral laws by campaigning at two polling stations—Mbogo Primary School Playground and Kazo Angola LCI Office—on election day.
“The petitioner has proved on the balance of probabilities and to the satisfaction of the court that the first respondent personally campaigned and canvassed for votes on polling day, contrary to the provisions of Section 100 of the Parliamentary Elections Act,” Justice Namanya ruled.
In response to the ruling, security was beefed up in Kawempe North, with military and police patrols stationed at major road junctions to deter any protests from NUP supporters. While the situation remained calm, some residents voiced anger and disappointment, calling the judgment politically motivated.
Joseph Ssematimba, a resident of Namale in Kawempe North, said he was not surprised by the court ruling, citing the chaotic nature of the by-election. “Ssematimba noted that the deployment of military personnel and use of violence, including beatings and abductions, was a deliberate plan to influence the outcome, as the government couldn't accept defeat,” Ssematimba stated.
He condemned the entire electoral process and questioned its purpose in Uganda today, saying the will of the people is no longer respected.
//Cue in: “Naye embera eliwo…
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John Kayira, another resident, questioned the lack of clear evidence directly implicating Nalukoola in the alleged irregularities. He also expressed fear that another by-election might be equally violent and therefore meaningless.
//Cue in: “20226 nayo…
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Despite the disillusionment, other voters pledged to remain firm in their democratic right to vote in any upcoming by-election or the 2026 general polls.
//Cue in: “Ffe tetugenda …
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The court ruling came after a petition filed by Faridah Nambi Kigongo, the runner-up with 9,058 votes. While some of her allegations—such as voter intimidation, bribery, and obstruction of electoral officers—were dismissed for lack of evidence, the court upheld two critical issues: Nalukoola’s campaigning on polling day and the Electoral Commission’s failure to account for votes in 14 polling stations, affecting 16,640 registered voters.
Nalukoola’s nullification has sparked fresh debate over the credibility and integrity of Uganda’s electoral processes, particularly in opposition strongholds.
Kamali. M James
Freelancer