Lawyer and politician Elias Luyimbazi Nalukoola took the stand on Thursday in a tense election petition hearing, arriving in court carrying a bag loaded with documents, a calculator, and his signature NUP beret.
His court appearance was as symbolic as it was substantive, as he launched into a defence of his petition challenging the conduct of the recent parliamentary election.
In a moment that caught the courtroom's attention, Nalukoola removed his glasses abruptly—an action that seemed to betray the pressure he was under, even as he tried to steady his gaze on the legal points before him.
Nalukoola alleged that the electoral process was marred by multiple irregularities and instances of non-compliance with electoral laws, including what he termed “JAT attacks”—though he clarified that these incidents, while serious, may not be substantial enough on their own to overturn the final outcome.
“I’m partially happy with the results,” he told court, “but also a bit sad because there were some uncompliances.”
He focused particularly on 14 polling stations where, according to him, people cast votes that were never counted.
“This is not about disenfranchisement; it is about accountability and transparency,” Nalukoola said. “The Electoral Commission did not comply with its mandate.”
Tensions heightened as prosecution lawyers challenged the validity of several affidavits submitted in support of Nalukoola’s case.
They objected to documents sworn by individuals including George William Mawumbe, Nathan Kyemba, NUP secretary Lewis Rubongoya, Sylvia Nakyobe, and Ddamba, arguing that these affidavits had been filed before the official response from the Electoral Commission—an alleged procedural misstep.
Nalukoola's courtroom appearance and testimony have added weight to the ongoing petition, drawing renewed attention to concerns over election management and judicial interpretation of electoral fairness. The hearing continues.