Elias Luyimbazi Nalukoola’s victory in the Kawempe North parliamentary by-election, marked a significant triumph for the National Unity Platform and its supporters, especially given the numerous challenges that defined the electoral process.
Representing a constituency long considered an opposition stronghold in Kampala, Uganda, Nalukoola secured 17,764 votes, defeating his closest rival, Faridah Nambi Kigongo of the National Resistance Movement, who garnered 8,593 votes. This win, declared by the Uganda Electoral Commission’s returning officer Henry Makabayi.
Nalukoola’s path to victory was fraught with obstacles, including violence, intimidation, and allegations of electoral malpractice, which tested the resolve of both the candidate and his supporters.
The campaign period was marked by incidents of brutality. Clashes between National Unity Platform supporters and security operatives escalated, with tear gas, live bullets, and beatings reported at rallies.
Journalists covering the election were not spared either; Miracle Ibra of Top TV was hospitalized after a severe beating by JATT operatives.
The most serious challenge came on the eve of the election, when NUP leaders, including Nalukoola, Joel Ssenyonyi, and David Lewis Rubongoya, raided a residence in Nammere suspected of housing pre-ticked ballot papers guarded by UPDF soldiers.
The confrontation however turned violent, with vehicles damaged and journalists injured, raising fears of vote-rigging.
The victory was celebrated as a defiance of state sponsored suppression. Nalukoola described it as “not an ordinary victory” but a demonstration of “what people power means,”
He thanked supporters for standing firm against brutality and abductions.