Kawempe North MP-elect Elias Luyimbazi Nalukoola, accompanied by National Unity Platform (NUP) Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya and party lawyer George Musisi, has petitioned the Electoral Commission (EC) over the delay in gazetting his victory.
Nearly two weeks after winning the by-election, Nalukoola has yet to be officially recognized, raising concerns within his party and among his supporters.
The Kawempe North by-election was held on March 13, 2025, following the passing of former MP Muhammad Ssegirinya. Nalukoola emerged victorious with 17,764 votes, defeating his closest rival, Faridah Nambi of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), who secured 8,593 votes.
The voting process was marked by heavy security deployments and the beating of journalists covering the by-election, with opposition leaders citing voter intimidation and suppression in certain polling centers.
Despite the declared victory, the ruling NRM has rejected the election results, arguing that the process was not free and fair. The party’s electoral commission chairperson, Tanga Odoi, indicated that the NRM legal team is preparing to challenge the outcome in court, citing incidents of electoral malpractice.
“We have evidence of voter intimidation and irregularities that undermined the credibility of this election. We will explore all legal avenues to contest the results,” Odoi stated.
By law, the Electoral Commission is required to gazette newly elected Members of Parliament before they can officially take office. However, nearly two weeks after the election, Nalukoola has not been gazetted, prompting his visit to the EC headquarters in Kampala.
“We are here to demand answers. The people of Kawempe North spoke through the ballot, and their voice must be respected. This delay is raising unnecessary suspicion,” Nalukoola told journalists.
The Electoral Commission has yet to issue a formal statement on the delay.
As Nalukoola and his legal team push for his official recognition, the delay in gazetting his victory has sparked political tension. With the 2026 general elections on the horizon, the handling of this case could set a precedent for future by-elections.