The Kawempe North by-election has reignited debate over Uganda’s electoral process, with political actors and analysts drawing sharply different lessons from the chaotic contest.
The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) suffered a decisive loss to the National Unity Platform (NUP), despite the heavy presence of security forces.
NRM officials argue that winners should not be declared in violent elections, while some election experts are pushing for an end to by-elections altogether.
The vote was marred by violence, with nominated candidates assaulted, their supporters arrested, and journalists attacked on polling day.
Reports of electoral malpractice led to the cancellation of results in some polling stations.
Tanga Odoi, chairperson of the NRM Electoral Commission, said the party must act now to prevent a repeat of the violence in the 2026 general elections.
"Both NRM and NUP supporters involved in the violence should be held accountable," he said.
Faridah Nambi, the NRM candidate who lost to NUP’s Elias Luyimbazi Nalukoola, also underscored the need for legal adherence, stating, "The rule of law must be followed to the dot."
Official results from the Independent Electoral Commission show Nalukoola won with 17,764 votes against Nambi’s 8,593.
Election expert Henry Muguzi, executive director of the Alliance for Finance Monitoring (ACFIM), dismissed claims that NRM had drawn any meaningful lessons.
"They keep repeating the same mistakes—beating voters, who later turn against them at the ballot box," he said.
Muguzi, currently researching by-elections, argues they should be scrapped to save public resources.
"When an elected leader passes on, their political party should nominate a replacement rather than wasting money on a by-election," he suggested.
As Uganda approaches the 2026 elections, calls for electoral reforms persist, with stakeholders urging measures to curb violence and improve election integrity.