The National Resistance Movement (NRM) has conceded defeat in the Kawempe North byelection, with its candidate, Faridah Nambi, officially congratulating her opponent, Elias Nalukoola of the National Unity Platform (NUP), on his victory.
Nambi met Nalukoola at Kawempe Mbogo Mosque in Kampala on Friday and acknowledged the Electoral Commission’s declaration of his win.
Despite extending her congratulations, Nambi announced her intention to challenge the election results in court, citing alleged electoral irregularities.
She claimed that violence marred the polling process and that results from 15 polling stations were missing due to the destruction of voting materials at Kazo Angola and other locations.
“It is okay to shake hands. Based on the Electoral Commission results, I congratulate him, but I am heading to court to contest his win because of the violence,” Nambi stated.
She further attributed her loss to the heavy deployment of security forces during the campaign period and on polling day, arguing that it affected voter turnout.
“My biggest issue was security deployment, where many journalists were beaten. I had absolutely nothing to do with it, but it worked against me as an NRM candidate,” she said.
“If you beat the eye and the ear of the public, whose side are you on?” she questioned.
Other candidates in the race, including Democratic Party’s Henry Mubim Kasacca and independent candidate Muhamood Mutazindwa, also congratulated Nalukoola on his victory.
According to the Electoral Commission’s final tally, Nalukoola won with 17,764 votes, followed by Nambi with 8,593 votes.
The byelection was held following the death of NUP MP Muhammad Ssegirinya on January 9.
While Nambi has voiced concerns over the electoral process, she called on Parliament to enact electoral reforms before the 2026 general election to ensure transparency and fairness.
Meanwhile, the NRM central executive committee, chaired by President Yoweri Museveni, has also raised concerns over the election, citing allegations of ballot stuffing, violence, and intimidation.
Museveni announced that investigations into these claims are underway and vowed to take action against those responsible.
Despite the controversy, Nalukoola’s victory marks a significant win for NUP in Kawempe North, reinforcing its stronghold in the constituency.
