By Spy Uganda
In the aftermath of a fiercely contested by-election in Kawempe North, the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) has rejected the outcome and is calling for a comprehensive investigation into what it terms a “tainted election.”
Erias Nalukoola Luyimbazi of the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) was declared winner early Friday, defeating NRM’s candidate Faridah Nambi, who finished second. But less than 24 hours later, the NRM is gearing up for a legal battle, citing widespread irregularities.
Addressing journalists on Saturday, NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong accused the Electoral Commission (EC) of mishandling the by-election. “We are not satisfied with the process and outcome of this election. The Central Executive Committee (CEC) has unanimously agreed to petition the courts over these irregularities,” he said.
Todwong pointed to the annulment of results from more than 50 polling stations, arguing that the move deprived over 50,000 voters of their right to participate in the democratic process. “The cancellation of these results raises serious questions about the integrity of this election. Many of our supporters were unfairly disenfranchised,” he charged.
Further escalating their claims, the NRM alleges the poll was marred by violence, intimidation, and blatant electoral malpractices, including ballot stuffing. Todwong also accused NUP supporters of orchestrating chaos to sway the outcome in their favor.
As part of their next steps, the ruling party is demanding a forensic audit of the entire electoral process in Kawempe North. Todwong insists this probe must extend beyond the Electoral Commission to include opposition actors and security operatives. “We want a full investigation that exposes the truth behind what transpired during this by-election,” he emphasized.
The NRM’s challenge comes as the opposition celebrates what they describe as a hard-won victory in an area considered a stronghold for the National Unity Platform. Whether the courts will intervene remains to be seen, but the contest for Kawempe North is clearly far from over.
