In a decisive Monday ruling, the High Court in Kampala has nullified the election of Erias Luyimbazi Nalukoola as the Member of Parliament for Kawempe Division North.
Justice Bernard Namanya delivered the verdict, declaring the seat vacant and ordering a fresh poll due to what he termed as serious electoral breaches.
At the center of the court’s decision were two major issues: unlawful campaigning and widespread voter disenfranchisement.
According to the ruling, Nalukoola directly violated Uganda’s electoral laws by personally campaigning on polling day at Mbogo Primary School Playground—an offence clearly prohibited under Section 100 of the Parliamentary Elections Act.
But the most damning element, according to the judge, was the disenfranchisement of over 16,000 registered voters, including the petitioner, Ms Nambi Faridah Kigongo, the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidate. The judge stated that the irregularities were “substantial enough to affect the final result.”
“The court is satisfied that the election was not conducted in accordance with the law,” said Justice Namanya. “The rights of voters were trampled, and this cannot stand.”
The ruling effectively strips Nalukoola of his parliamentary seat and mandates the Electoral Commission to organise a fresh election for Kawempe North.
The date for the by-election has not yet been announced, but political parties are expected to scramble quickly to reposition their candidates.
This ruling could mark a significant shift in Kampala’s political scene. Nalukoola, who had run as an independent but enjoyed grassroots support, now faces a political reset.
Meanwhile, NRM’s Faridah Kigongo could see renewed momentum heading into the re-election, depending on how her camp capitalizes on the court’s judgment.
Legal experts say the ruling reinforces the judiciary’s commitment to enforcing electoral integrity.
“It’s a strong message to all candidates—violating campaign rules has serious consequences,” said one constitutional lawyer familiar with election law.
With Kawempe North back in play, Uganda’s political watchers will be keen to see how this high-stakes rematch unfolds. But one thing is clear: illegal campaign tactics won’t go unpunished—not even for sitting MPs.
