The Member of Parliament for Kawempe North, Elias Nalukoola has laughed off the grounds presented by Faridah Nambi of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) in her legal challenge to his recent election victory in the area by-election.
Last week, Nambi, through her legal team, Crane Associated Advocates, filed a petition in the High Court contesting the results of the March 13 by-election, in which Nalukoola of the National Unity Platform was declared the winner.
Appearing on Sanyuka Television on Thursday, Nalukoola described Nambi's claims as unreasonable and lacking substance, expressing confidence that he could easily overcome her challenge.
"You know those tiny ants that fall into the sauce? Just turn off the lights and eat—it’s simpler that way because they have no solid basis for their case. The arguments they are presenting are far too weak," Nalukoola said.
He further questioned, "Are we the ones responsible for army vehicles? Did we have cars without number plates? Are we the RDCs who hired thugs?"
Despite the election marred by violence and attacks on journalists, Nalukoola won decisively, securing over 17,700 votes compared to Nambi's approximately 9,500 votes.
However, shortly after his swearing-in, the NRM submitted an affidavit to the court at Twed Tower in Nakasero, asserting that the petition was filed under the direction of NRM leadership and their client.
“That there was non-compliance with the Parliamentary Elections Act, which affected the result in a substantial manner; and that the winner and his agents committed multiple electoral offences.” the petition reads.
Nalukoola dismissed committing any electoral offence, and instead blamed the violence witnessed in the by-election to the NRM.
"It wasn’t the opposition that brought the violence. I saw the army, who were supposed to protect the citizens, causing the violence. The facts speak for themselves." he said.
According to the affidavit, Nambi claims that the Electoral Commission failed to report results from 14 polling stations, which included over 16,600 registered voters, yet still declared Nalukoola the winner with 17,939 votes.