After days of uncertainty, the Electoral Commission (EC) has officially gazetted Elias Nalukoola as the duly elected Member of Parliament for Kawempe North.
This move puts an end to speculation and concerns of foul play surrounding the delayed gazetting process.
The results were published in yesterday’s Gazette, marking the final procedural step before Nalukoola’s swearing-in, as stipulated by the Parliamentary Elections Act.
According to Section 58 of the Act, the returning officer must submit an election report to the EC within seven days after an election, and the EC must publish the results in the Gazette within 48 hours of receipt.
Discrepancies in Gazetted Results
The gazetted figures slightly differed from those announced on election night by Kampala Electoral District Returning Officer, Henry Makabai.
The official Gazette lists Nalukoola with 17,939 votes, while his closest opponent, Nambi, received 9,058. However, on March 13, Makabai’s declaration had recorded Nalukoola with 17,764 votes and Nambi with 8,593.
The results also included other candidates: Sadat Mukiibi (FDC) with 243 votes, Henry Kasacca Mubiru (DP) with 100, Ismail Musiitwa (PPP) with 39, Muhammad Lusswa Luwemba with 241, Hanifah Karadi Mulerwa with 389, Muhamood Mutazindwa with 188, Moses Nsereko with 32, and Stanley Edward Maitum Engena with 22.
NUP Pressures EC Over Delays
Before the gazettement, the National Unity Platform (NUP) leadership, including Secretary General Lewis Rubongoya, party lawyer George Musisi, and Nalukoola himself, stormed the EC offices to demand answers over the delay.
“Ugandans are wondering why it has taken so long for Nalukoola to be sworn in. In most by-elections, gazetting happens quickly. We needed answers,” Rubongoya stated.
He further alleged that the EC prioritizes gazetting victories for ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidates over those from opposition parties.
Concerns Over Possible Petition
Despite the official gazettement, Nalukoola expressed no concern over the possibility of an NRM petition challenging his victory.
He accused security operatives of coercing his former election agents, including Henry Bbuule and William Ssaka, into signing affidavits that could be used in court.
“President Museveni was misled to believe he had support in Kawempe North. Now, my former agents are being arrested and pressured into signing documents that may be used in a petition,” Nalukoola claimed.
NUP Questions Results Discrepancies
Following the Gazette’s release, NUP raised questions about inconsistencies in the final tally. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Rubongoya vowed to seek an explanation from the EC.
“We hope these discrepancies aren’t an attempt to create a case for the losing NRM candidate where none exists. Thanks to all who raised their voices and put pressure,” he wrote.
EC Responds to Allegations
Paul Bukenya, EC’s principal public relations officer, confirmed that the commission had met with NUP officials to address their concerns.
The meeting, chaired by EC chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama, clarified that the results had been forwarded to the Uganda Printing and Publishing Corporation for gazettement.
Byabakama also stated that the EC was still investigating the chaos that marred the election.
However, Rubongoya remained unconvinced, questioning whether the EC had succumbed to pressure from the government.
With the results now gazetted, Nalukoola is set to take his oath and officially assume office as Kawempe North MP, bringing an end to weeks of political tension.
