The chills and spills from the violence-marred Kawempe North by-election have now given way to a growing legal battle over the delayed gazettement of Elias Nalukoola Luyimbaazi.
Lawyer Samuel Muyizzi, a legal advisor to the National Unity Platform (NUP), has raised his voice against what he views as a deliberate attempt to stall the democratic process.
He warns that taking the matter to court to compel the Electoral Commission (EC) could be a trap, one that may only exacerbate the delay.
“This isn’t just about Nalukoola,” Muyizzi said. “This election reveals deeper issues that will affect future elections. The people need to rise up and demand accountability.”
Though the Ugandan Constitution allows citizens to protect their democracy, Muyizzi fears an over-reliance on legal strategies could backfire.
“Pursuing this in court might give the EC a reason to delay further, citing it as sub judice,” he cautioned.
He urged Ugandans to take the lead, compelling the EC to fulfill its mandate without waiting for a few leaders to push for action.
Muyizzi criticized the interference that has marred the electoral process, from nominations to campaigns, voting, and results declarations.
He called out those in power for their hypocrisy, controlling security agencies while lamenting electoral failures under their watch.
“The state can’t control security and then complain about the breakdown of electoral integrity,” Muyizzi said. “That’s pure dishonesty.”
The delay in Nalukoola’s gazettement, according to Muyizzi, isn’t due to any legal ambiguity. With the seven-day window for recount requests long passed, and no petitions filed, he insists that gazettement is merely a formality, not a favour.
Looking ahead, Muyizzi warns that relying on legal technicalities could set a dangerous precedent for future elections.
“Even MPs celebrating their victories today should remember that the same system they benefit from could turn against them,” he cautioned.
Despite the challenges, Muyizzi remains resolute.
“Until Nalukoola swears in, the struggle isn’t over,” he declares. “The law didn’t anticipate this level of bad faith, but the people must not give up. The power of the people is the ultimate safeguard against injustice.”
Muyizzi also calls out the silence of the Electoral Commission Chair, a judge by profession, stating that a judge should be a symbol of justice.
“Remaining silent in the face of clear legal manipulation only erodes public trust,” he said.
His message is clear: Ugandans must unite to safeguard their democracy. “This is not just about one constituency; it’s a defining moment for the entire nation. Every citizen must play their part in holding institutions accountable.”