Nalukoola’s Victory Marred by Low Turnout and State Intimidation

Nalukoola’s Victory Marred by Low Voter Turnout and State Intimidation

Elias Nalukoola Luyimbazi of the National Unity Platform (NUP) has officially been declared the winner of the Kawempe North by-election, securing 17,764 votes in a contest overshadowed by low voter turnout and state-sponsored intimidation.

The victory, announced by Kampala City Electoral Commission Returning Officer Henry Makabayi, comes despite a dismal 14.1% voter turnout in a constituency with over 199,000 registered voters.

Nalukoola’s nearest rival, Faridah Nambi of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), garnered 8,593 votes, while independent candidate Hanifah Karadi came in third with 381 votes.

A Bitter-Sweet Victory for NUP

Nalukoola’s win, while decisive, was far from straightforward. The campaign and voting day were marked by heavy military presence, voter intimidation, and reports of ballot pre-ticking.

“This is not my victory. It is the victory of Uganda and the people of Kawempe North,” Nalukoola said in his acceptance speech. “Let us work towards the enhancement of democracy in Uganda.”

David Lewis Rubongoya, NUP’s Secretary General, described the win as “bitter-sweet,” citing the challenges faced by the party, including missing supporters, hospitalized journalists, and confiscated equipment.

State Intimidation and Low Turnout

The by-election, held to fill the seat left vacant by the late Muhammad Ssegirinya, saw a shocking 85.9% voter disenfranchisement.

Only 28,059 votes were cast, including spoilt ballots, in a constituency with over 199,000 registered voters.

The low turnout was attributed to a combination of voter apathy and state intimidation. In the days leading up to the election, security forces, including the Joint Anti-Terrorism Taskforce (JATT) and regular soldiers, flooded the streets, targeting journalists and opposition supporters.

“If we can clobber journalists, now what you mere voters?” seemed to be the message, as security forces flaunted their presence with batons, iron whips, and bullets.

Allegations of Electoral Malpractice

Independent candidate Hanifah Karadi raised concerns about ballot pre-ticking and voter intimidation.

“We have received reports of ballot papers that were already pre-ticked. This, combined with the intimidation of both voters and candidates, is very concerning,” she said after casting her vote.

Karadi’s fears were echoed by many, as the heavy security presence deterred voters from turning out.

“Many voters were hesitant to come out, citing the heavy security presence,” she added.

What This Means for Uganda’s Democracy

Nalukoola’s victory reaffirms NUP’s dominance in urban strongholds like Kawempe North, but the low turnout and state intimidation raise serious questions about the integrity of Uganda’s electoral process.

“This is a bitter-sweet victory,” Rubongoya reiterated. “We are celebrating amid many challenges, including missing people, hospitalized journalists, and confiscated equipment.”

With just eight months until the 2026 general elections, Nalukoola faces the daunting task of proving his worth to the voters of Kawempe North.