By Charles Katabalwa,
KAMPALA
The Electoral Commission Chairman of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), Dr. Tanga Odoi, has applauded the High Court for delivering justice to the people of Kawempe.
This follows a ruling on Monday afternoon by Justice Bernard Namanya at the High Court in Kampala, which annulled the election of Elias Luyimbazi Nalukoola as the Member of Parliament for Kawempe North. The court found that Nalukoola’s election was marred by illegal campaign practices and widespread voter disenfranchisement.
Justice Namanya stated that approximately 16,640 voters in the constituency — including Ms. Nambi Faridah Kigongo, who ran on the NRM ticket — were denied their right to vote, significantly impacting the election results.
The court also received evidence that Nalukoola personally campaigned on election day at Mbogo Primary School Playground, an act that contravenes Section 100(1)(a) and (b), as well as Section 100(2)(a) and (3) of the Parliamentary Elections Act (Cap. 177).
Following the ruling, the Electoral Commission has been directed to conduct a fresh election in the constituency.
Speaking to journalists at the NRM Electoral Commission headquarters on Plot 10, Kyadondo Road, Dr. Tanga Odoi welcomed the court’s decision.
“The people of Kawempe were robbed, but with this court decision, justice will be served,” he said. “Our legal team will brief us on the next steps. We are ready for a by-election if it comes to that, although there is still room for an appeal.”
In related news, Dr. Odoi also announced that nominations for NRM youth and other Special Interest Groups will commence on May 29, 2025. Meanwhile, party members interested in contesting for parliamentary seats and LC V positions can pick nomination forms between June 2 and June 15, 2025.
He emphasized that all interested candidates must pick nomination forms at the party headquarters after paying a fee of UGX 3 million to the party’s account in Centenary Bank.
Dr. Odoi advised all aspirants to verify their academic documents with the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) to avoid last-minute complications.
