The High Court in Kampala has wrapped up the hearing of the closely watched election petition filed by Faridah Nambi Kigongo of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), challenging the victory of National Unity Platform’s (NUP) Elias Nalukoola in the Kawempe North parliamentary by-election.
During the final session, both parties made their concluding submissions before Justice Benard Namanya, who presided over the case and promised to deliver a judgment date in due course.
The hearing marks the end of a heated legal contest that has attracted national political interest.
“We have presented substantial evidence, and we trust the court will deliver a fair ruling,” said Ahmed Kalule, counsel for Nambi, while expressing optimism about the outcome.
On the opposing side, Nalukoola’s legal team remained defiant and confident. George Musisi, one of his lawyers, told journalists that they had demonstrated why the court should uphold his client’s win.
“We are not worried. We've demonstrated why the election results should stand,” Musisi said.
As the legal teams exchanged their final arguments, the question of costs became a flashpoint.
Muhammad Mbabazi, also representing Nalukoola, hinted that the petitioner could face significant financial consequences.
“NRM’s candidate should be ready to compensate the 10 law firms that have defended Nalukoola,” Musisi added. But Kalule hit back, dismissing such talk as premature.
“Let’s wait for judgment before rushing to conclusions about costs,” he said.
Nambi, who lost to Nalukoola in the bitterly contested February 2024 by-election, used the post-hearing moment to appeal to the wider electorate and political actors ahead of the 2026 general elections.
“Let those eyeing 2026 send me prayers. This petition isn’t just about me—it’s about safeguarding the integrity of all future elections,” she said.
She warned that if her concerns were not addressed, it could set a dangerous precedent.
“If the court fails to hear me out, it will give a green light to fraudsters to openly manipulate the 2026 elections,” Nambi added.
The Kawempe North constituency has long been a stronghold for opposition parties, and the by-election was among the most scrutinised contests following the death of former MP Muhammad Ssegirinya.
Nalukoola, a lawyer and new entrant in elective politics, ran on the NUP ticket and defeated several contenders, including Nambi.
The case has become a rallying point for both ruling party loyalists and opposition figures, with implications that could ripple through upcoming political strategies and court battles in the lead-up to 2026.
Justice Namanya’s ruling is expected in the coming weeks and could offer fresh guidance on how the judiciary handles post-election disputes—especially in constituencies where competition between opposition and ruling party candidates remains intense.