The Kampala High Court has overturned the election of Luyimbazi Elias Nalukoola as the Member of Parliament for Kawempe Division North, Kampala.
Justice Bernard Namanya ruled the seat vacant and directed the Electoral Commission to arrange a new election for the constituency.
The basis of the petition In the election petition, Nambi claimed that Nalukoola engaged in campaigning on polling day at locations like Mbogo Primary School Playground, where he spoke to voters, chanted political slogans, and swayed them to support him.
She also alleged that the Electoral Commission fell short in several critical aspects, such as maintaining a secure voting environment, ensuring accurate vote counting, safeguarding electoral materials, and transparently transmitting results.
Nambi argued that the Commission’s failure to adhere to electoral laws resulted in the disenfranchisement of thousands of voters, including herself.
She also accused Nalukoola and his agents of engaging in widespread voter bribery, citing multiple instances where money and essential goods—such as bread, salt, soap, and tea—were distributed to voters including Mary Diana Kibuka, George William Mawumbe, and Geoffrey Wamukubira.
Court Ruling
Justice Namanya based his verdict on the disenfranchisement of thousands of voters whose ballots were destroyed and never counted, as well as Nalukoola’s conduct on election day.
“This court has decided to nullify the election of Luyimbazi Elias Nalukoola as the Member of Parliament for Kawempe Division North for two main reasons,” he stated.
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Voter Disenfranchisement – A total of 16,640 voters, including Nambi Faridah Kigongo, were denied the right to vote, significantly impacting the election results.
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Election Day Campaigning – Nalukoola personally campaigned on polling day at Mbogo Primary School Playground (KAT - MAJ) and Kazo Angola (KAL - KZ) at LCI Office polling stations—actions that violate Section 100 (1) (a) and (b) and Section 100 (2) (a) and (3) of the Parliamentary Elections Act (Cap. 177).
The judge also ruled that both parties would bear their legal costs.
