The High Court in Kampala has nullified the election of Elias Luyimbazi Nalukoola as MP for Kawempe North after a successful petition by NRM’s Faridah Nambi.
In a ruling delivered by Justice Bernard Namanya, the court found that the by-election held earlier this year did not comply with provisions of the Parliamentary Elections Act, and that the irregularities substantially affected the outcome of the vote.
Justice Namanya stated: “That the election of Luyimbazi Elias Nalukoola as a directly elected Member of Parliament for Kawempe Division North constituency in Kampala District is set aside.”
The judge further ruled that, “the seat for the Directly Elected Member of Parliament for Kawempe Division North constituency in Kampala District is declared vacant.”
Justice Namanya also ordered the Electoral Commission to conduct a fresh election for the constituency.
In her petition, Nambi accused the Electoral Commission of failing to return results from multiple polling stations, thereby disenfranchising thousands of voters.
She also cited allegations of election day malpractices including voter bribery, illegal campaigning, and obstruction of voters and officials by the declared winner’s campaign team.
The Kawempe North by-election, was held in March 2025, following the death of Muhammad Ssegirinya.
It was characterized by intense political rivalry, security deployments, and accusations from the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) that state agencies perpetrated violence and intimidation against its supporters.
The court ruling sets the stage for a fresh contest in one of Kampala’s most politically charged constituencies.
