Kawempe North by-election: NUP triumphs amid heavy military deployment

Despite a heavily militarized electoral environment and allegations of vote rigging, ballot stuffing, and intimidation, the National Unity Platform (NUP) won the historic and hard-fought Kawempe North MP by-election.

The victory highlights the people’s resilience, as they overcame numerous challenges to exercise their democratic rights on Thursday.

At 12:20 a.m., Luyimbazi Elias Nalukoola of the NUP was declared the winner of the Kawempe Division North parliamentary by-election, having received 17,764 votes.

Makabayi Henry, the Returning Officer, officially announced the results at Makerere University’s School of Public Health Auditorium.

Nalukoola emerged as the clear favorite in the by-election, with 27,596 valid votes cast, defeating his closest rival, Namabi Faridah Kigongo of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), who received 8,593 votes.

Other candidates in the race included Mukiibi Sadat (FDC) with 239 votes, Kasacca Henry Mubiru (DP) with 100 votes, Luwemba Lusswa Muhammad (Independent) with 240 votes, Murerwa Hanifah Karadi (Independent) with 381 votes, Musiitwa Ismail (PPP) with 39 votes, and Mutazindwa Muhamood (Independent).

Nsereko Moses (Independent) received 32 votes, followed by Engena-Maitum Edward Stanley (Independent) with 22 votes.

The election process counted 406 invalid votes and 49 spoiled ballots, for a total of 28,002.

This by-election comes at a critical time, with voters in the area eager for improved leadership and representation.

With his victory, Nalukoola now takes up the mantle to represent Kawempe Division North in Uganda’s Parliament for not less than 365 days.

Throughout the electoral process, reports emerged of increased military presence in key opposition strongholds, raising concerns about voter suppression.

Security forces were accused of using intimidation tactics to discourage voter turnout, yet the electorate remained steadfast.

Additionally, there were widespread claims of electoral malpractices, including ballot stuffing and vote rigging, designed to tilt the results in favor of the ruling establishment of the National Resistance Movement party.

However, despite these irregularities, NUP’s overwhelming support proved insurmountable, reflecting the growing demand for change among the populace.

Journalists covering the election were not exempt from the chaos. Several reporters were harassed, with some allegedly assaulted while attempting to document the election process.

These incidents raised serious concerns about press freedom and the transparency of the election.

NUP’s victory is a testament to the people’s determination to assert their will against all odds. The outcome sends a strong message about the power of a united citizenry and their resolve to shape the future of their nation, regardless of the challenges posed by state machinery.

As the nation awaits the next steps, all eyes are on how the ruling party and electoral commission will react to the NUP’s victory amidst these allegations.