The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) has announced its decision to legally challenge the results of the Kawempe North by-election, citing widespread irregularities. The election, conducted on March 13, 2025, saw National Unity Platform’s (NUP) candidate, Erias Nalukoola Luyimbazi, declared the winner, defeating NRM’s Faridah Nambi.
Following an extraordinary meeting of the party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC), NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong addressed journalists on Saturday morning, expressing dissatisfaction with the election process and results. “We are dissatisfied with the outcome of the by-election, and the Central Executive Committee has directed our legal team to challenge the results in the courts of law,” Todwong stated.
According to the NRM, the by-election was marred by voter intimidation, violence, and electoral malpractices, including allegations of ballot stuffing. Todwong noted that results from over 50 polling stations were nullified by the Electoral Commission, affecting more than 50,000 voters. “Cancellation of results from these polling stations disenfranchised thousands of our supporters, which significantly impacted the final outcome,” he added.
NRM also accused NUP supporters of inciting violence and intimidating voters, particularly targeting women and the elderly. Additionally, the party acknowledged reports of excessive force used by security personnel but blamed opposition elements for provoking the incidents. “Security forces were deliberately provoked, leading to regrettable overreactions in some cases,” Todwong explained.
In response to these concerns, the NRM is now pushing for a forensic audit of the by-election. Todwong emphasized that such an investigation should extend to the Electoral Commission, opposition figures, and security operatives involved in the electoral process. “This election was marred by violence, cheating, and ballot stuffing that need to be investigated,” he said.
Meanwhile, opposition figures have dismissed NRM’s claims, accusing the ruling party of refusing to accept electoral defeat. National Unity Platform leader Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, took to social media to mock President Museveni’s dissatisfaction with the results, questioning how a leader with decades in power could claim to be a victim of rigging.
As the legal battle looms, the political landscape in Kawempe North remains tense, with both sides standing their ground. The case is expected to test the credibility of Uganda’s electoral processes and institutions as the NRM seeks to overturn the results while the opposition celebrates what they call a hard-fought victory.
