Elias Nalukoola Luyimbazi of the National Unity Platform (NUP) has officially been declared the winner of the Kawempe North by-election, held on March 13, 2025.
The Kampala City Electoral Commission, led by Returning Officer Henry Makabayi, confirmed Nalukoola’s victory with 17,764 votes, far ahead of Faridah Nambi of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), who garnered 8,586 votes.
The by-election, necessitated by the passing of former MP Muhammad Ssegirinya, was marred by reports of violence, intimidation, and allegations of security forces favoring the NRM.
Despite these challenges, NUP’s win reinforces its dominance in the urban constituency, though voter turnout was lower compared to the 2021 general election.
A Contentious Campaign and Violent Voting Day
The campaign period was fraught with tension, as NUP supporters faced alleged harassment and intimidation from security forces.
Related: Journalists Targeted in Kawempe North By-Election Crackdown
On election day, incidents of violence escalated, with journalists arrested and assaulted, and reports of brutality at polling stations like Kazo Angola.
“The violence and intimidation were unprecedented,” said a local observer. “It’s a miracle the election proceeded at all.”
Despite these hurdles, polling stations opened at 7 AM and closed at 4 PM, with materials delivered on time to all 197 stations.
However, the atmosphere of fear and uncertainty likely contributed to the lower turnout.
Official Results and Analysis
The official results, announced by Henry Makabayi, confirm Nalukoola’s victory with 17,764 votes, a significant lead over Nambi’s 8,586.
This result underscores NUP’s stronghold in Kawempe North, though the vote count is notably lower than Ssegirinya’s 2021 tally of 41,197 votes, possibly due to voter fatigue, intimidation, or the nature of by-elections.
What This Means for Uganda’s Political Landscape
Nalukoola’s victory is a significant boost for NUP ahead of the 2026 general elections, signaling resilience in its urban support base.
In his acceptance speech, Nalukoola emphasized unity and vowed to continue Ssegirinya’s legacy.
Faridah Nambi conceded defeat, thanking her supporters and pledging continued NRM engagement in the constituency.
However, the election’s controversies have drawn sharp criticism from civil society, with calls for investigations into the violence and irregularities.
