Nalukoola's victory short lives as NRM challenges election results in court

The celebration of Elias Nalukoola's victory in the Kawempe by-election on March 13 was short-lived after the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) decided to challenge the results.

The NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC), led by President Yoweri Museveni, held a meeting and dismissed the election outcome. The committee claimed there were issues with the voting process and instructed the party’s legal team to take the matter to court.

“We cannot accept this outcome when we believe the process was flawed. Our lawyers will ensure justice prevails,” an NRM CEC member stated after the meeting.

Nalukoola had been officially declared the winner, marking a big win for the National Unity Platform (NUP) in the competitive race. His supporters had already started celebrating, seeing the victory as proof of NUP’s growing strength in Kampala. However, the NRM’s legal action has now put his position in question.

Despite this challenge, Nalukoola remains confident and urged his supporters to stay strong.

“This victory belongs to the people of Kawempe. No amount of intimidation will take it away from us,” he said.

With the legal case underway, tensions in the area continue to rise. NUP leaders have accused the NRM of trying to interfere with democracy.

The final decision now lies with the court, which will determine if Nalukoola keeps his seat or if Kawempe will have another by-election.