KAMPALA, Uganda— In the sweltering heat of Mecca, thousands of miles from home, Elias Luyimbaazi Nalukoola’s voice crackled through the phone, clear and defiant. “We are ready for the challenge,” he said, moments after the High Court in Kampala nullified his election as Kawempe North Member of Parliament.
For Nalukoola, who replaced the late Muhammad Ssegirinya, the ruling wasn’t the end—it was a rallying call. “This judgement has given us a golden chance to expose the rottenness in our institutions,” he told this writer from Saudi Arabia, where he’s currently performing the Islamic pilgrimage.
“We have two options: appeal or return to the people,” he added. “And whichever path we take, we are confident of victory. Our people are still alive, still with us.”
The Court’s Verdict
On Friday, Justice Bernard Namanya delivered a ruling that sent ripples through Uganda’s political landscape. The court ordered a fresh election in Kawempe North after a petition filed by NRM’s Faridah Nambi Kigongo successfully challenged Nalukoola’s victory.
The judge cited two major violations of electoral law: the disenfranchisement of over 16,000 voters—Nambi herself included—and allegations that Nalukoola campaigned on voting day at two polling stations, in breach of the Parliamentary Elections Act.
But Nalukoola isn’t buying the explanation. “The whole process was rushed—how can a case be concluded in just two weeks?” he asked.
Kyagulanyi: “They Can’t Nullify the People’s Hearts”
Back home, his political party stood firmly behind him. National Unity Platform (NUP) president Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, speaking from Gulu, called the ruling “a reflection of a broken judicial system.”
“We knew the case was clear, and we went to court in good faith,” Kyagulanyi said. “Museveni was hurt by our win in Kawempe North. Judge Namanya may nullify Hon. Nalukoola’s election, but he cannot nullify the people’s hearts.”
Kyagulanyi was unequivocal about what comes next: “We shall appeal. And if that fails, we shall return to the people with joy. They spoke once—they will speak again.”
NRM: “Justice Has Been Served”
On the opposite side of the aisle, the ruling came as vindication. Dr. Tanga Odoi, chairman of the NRM Electoral Commission, celebrated the court’s decision.
“You cannot defraud 16,000 voters and claim to be the MP of all people,” Odoi said. “I am happy that justice has been served. A re-election is the right course.”
What Happens Next?
While emotions run high, the timeline for a potential by-election remains hazy. Justice Simon Byabakama, chairman of the Electoral Commission, made it clear that nothing can happen until legal procedures are fully exhausted.
“As a commission, we are comfortably seated where we are,” Byabakama stated. “We cannot plan for a by-election until the appeal period ends and we receive formal notification from Parliament declaring a vacancy.”
That clock hasn’t started ticking just yet.
Two Candidates, One Battlefield
Both Nalukoola and Nambi appear prepared for all outcomes. For Nalukoola, it’s a test of resilience. For Nambi, it’s another chance to reclaim a seat she believes was stolen.
And for the voters of Kawempe North, it’s another moment to decide who they trust to carry their voice to Parliament.
Until then, Nalukoola’s promise rings loud and clear—from Mecca to Kampala: “We are not afraid. This is not over.”