Kampala — Kawempe North MP Elias Luyimbazi Nalukoola has unveiled a heavyweight legal team led by veteran lawyer Muhammed Mbabazi to defend against an election petition filed by former rival Faridah Nambi.
The petition, which challenges the outcome of the March 13th by-election, is set to be heard in the High Court.
Nambi, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidate, claims the poll was marred by irregularities and is asking the court to annul Nalukoola’s victory.
But Nalukoola, of the National Unity Platform, has dismissed the petition as a political distraction.
“This petition is full of lies and lacks any substance,” Nalukoola said in a statement.
“Why is Nambi—who I believe was facilitated by those perpetuating brutality—now crying foul? It is a frivolous, incompetent petition, meant to insult the will of the people of Kawempe.”
Nalukoola’s legal strategy is anchored by 19 lawyers, with Mbabazi, a prominent figure in Uganda’s legal and political circles, taking the lead.
A member of Nalukoola’s legal team argued that the petition was “desperate and hollow,” noting that even if Nambi had won all the votes from the 14 polling stations she flagged, it would not have affected the final result.
“The margin of victory speaks for itself,” the lawyer said. “We are ready with our evidence. The voters of Kawempe made their choice loud and clear.”
The High Court has already assigned a judge to the case, which is expected to draw national attention. Nalukoola remains confident that the court will dismiss the petition with costs, reaffirming his legitimacy as the duly elected MP for Kawempe North.
“This is an attempt to replay a contest that was already settled at the ballot,” he said. “The people voted. I won. Let’s move on.”