The High Court in Kampala has wrapped up the hearing of a high-profile election petition filed by Faridah Nambi Kigongo of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), challenging the victory of Elias Nalukoola of the National Unity Platform (NUP) in the Kawempe North parliamentary by-election.
The hearing, presided over by Justice Benard Namanya, concluded with both parties presenting their final submissions and awaiting judgment. The case has drawn widespread national interest given its implications on Uganda’s political landscape ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Nambi, who lost in the February 2024 by-election following the death of former MP Muhammad Ssegirinya, is contesting the election results citing irregularities. Her legal team, led by counsel Ahmed Kalule, expressed confidence in their evidence and urged the court to overturn Nalukoola’s victory.
“We have presented substantial evidence, and we trust the court will deliver a fair ruling,” Kalule stated after the hearing. He also cautioned against premature discussions about legal costs, emphasizing the need to await the court’s decision.
Opposing them, Nalukoola’s lawyers remained defiant, arguing that the election was free and fair. George Musisi, one of Nalukoola’s legal representatives, told reporters, “We are not worried. We've demonstrated why the election results should stand.”
A heated debate over legal costs marked the final session, with Nalukoola’s team suggesting that the petitioner might have to compensate the ten law firms that defended the respondent. Muhammad Mbabazi, also part of Nalukoola’s legal team, hinted at significant financial consequences for Nambi’s side.
Kalule quickly dismissed these claims as premature, saying, “Let’s wait for judgment before rushing to conclusions about costs.”
Nambi used the post-hearing moment to appeal to the wider electorate and political stakeholders ahead of the 2026 general elections. “Let those eyeing 2026 send me prayers. This petition isn’t just about me—it’s about safeguarding the integrity of all future elections,” she said.
She warned that if her concerns were not addressed, it could set a dangerous precedent that might allow election fraud to become widespread in Uganda. “If the court fails to hear me out, it will give a green light to fraudsters to openly manipulate the 2026 elections,” Nambi added.
Kawempe North has long been a battleground constituency and a stronghold for opposition parties. The by-election attracted keen attention as a test of political strength following the death of popular former MP Ssegirinya. Nalukoola, a lawyer and newcomer in elective politics, ran on the NUP ticket and secured victory against several contenders including Nambi.
The legal battle has become a rallying point for both ruling party supporters and opposition figures, highlighting the heightened political tensions that characterize Uganda’s current political climate.
Justice Namanya’s ruling is expected within weeks and will likely provide important judicial guidance on how election petitions should be handled, especially in constituencies where the competition between ruling party and opposition candidates remains intense.
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