The High Court in Kampala has nullified the election of Hon. Elias Luyimbazi Nalukoola as the Member of Parliament for Kawempe Division North. Justice Bernard Namanya ruled that the by-election held earlier this year did not comply with the Parliamentary Elections Act, and that irregularities substantially affected the outcome.
In his judgment, Justice Namanya stated, “Therefore, in accordance with Section 80, 82 (4) (c) and 82 (6) (c) of the Parliamentary Elections Act (Cap. 177), I order as follows: i). 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 declared the seat vacant, ordering, “That the seat for the Directly Elected Member of Parliament for Kawempe Division North constituency in Kampala District is declared vacant.” Justice Namanya also directed the Electoral Commission to conduct a fresh election, stating, “That the Electoral Commission is ordered to conduct a fresh election for the Directly Elected Member of Parliament for Kawempe Division North constituency in Kampala District.”
Regarding costs, Justice Namanya ruled, “That each party shall meet its own costs.” The judge concluded, “IT IS SO ORDERED.”
The decision follows a petition filed by the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and its candidate, Hon. Nambi Faridah Kigonogo. They accused the Electoral Commission of failing to return results from multiple polling stations, disenfranchising thousands of voters. The petition also cited allegations of election day malpractices, including voter bribery and obstruction of voters.
The court ruling sets the stage for a fresh contest in one of Kampala’s most politically charged constituencies. The Electoral Commission is expected to announce the roadmap for the new election in the coming weeks.