Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) president Patrick Oboi Amuriat has criticized the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) for its decision to challenge the outcome of the Kawempe North by-election in court, calling it unprecedented.
The election, held last week, saw National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate Elias Nalukoola emerge victorious with over 17,000 votes.
NRM’s candidate, Faridah Nambi, finished second with 8,700 votes out of the 27,700 cast.
On Saturday, NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong announced that the party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) had instructed its legal team to petition the High Court, citing electoral irregularities.
“We are dissatisfied with the outcome of the by-election, and the Central Executive Committee has directed our legal team to challenge the results in courts of law,” Todwong said at a press conference at the party headquarters in Kampala.
NRM alleges that the election was marred by security force deployment, destruction of ballot materials, and violence against voters.
“Cancellation of results from over 50 polling stations disenfranchised over 50,000 voters who were unable to exercise their right to vote. There were also acts of violence carried out by supporters and sympathizers of the National Unity Platform. We think this election was marred by violence, cheating, and ballot stuffing that need to be investigated,” Todwong stated.
However, Amuriat dismissed the petition as an attempt to undermine the people’s will.
“Whereas the NRM has a right to go to court, we in the FDC view Mr. Museveni’s actions as an attempt to undermine democracy and disregard the will of the people,” Amuriat said during a press conference at the FDC headquarters in Najjanankumbi.
He also criticized the role of security forces in the election, alleging voter intimidation.
“We believe the people of Kawempe have made their choice clear despite the intimidating presence of security forces. Mr. Museveni must have the decency to respect the decision of the people,” Amuriat added.
The by-election, which attracted ten candidates, was highly contested. NUP’s Nalukoola secured victory over his rivals, but NRM’s decision to challenge the results marks a shift in Uganda’s political dynamics, where the ruling party is now petitioning election outcomes rather than being the usual subject of legal challenges.