The High Court has nullified the election of Luyimbazi Elias Nalukoola as the Member of Parliament for Kawempe Division North, citing violations of the Parliamentary Elections Act.
In a ruling delivered by Justice Bernard Namanya on Monday, the court found sufficient grounds to set aside Nalukoola’s election, effectively rendering the Kawempe Division North parliamentary seat vacant.
“That the election of Luyimbazi Elias Nalukoola as a Directly Elected Member of Parliament for Kawempe Division North constituency in Kampala District is set aside,” the court ruled.
Justice Namanya further directed the Electoral Commission to organize a fresh election for the constituency.
“The Electoral Commission is ordered to conduct a fresh election for the Directly Elected Member of Parliament for Kawempe Division North constituency in Kampala District,” the order reads.
The judgment, issued under Section 80, 82 (4)(c), and 82 (6)(c) of the Parliamentary Elections Act (Cap. 177), concluded a contested legal battle over the integrity of the 2021 parliamentary elections in Kawempe North. While the court did not detail the exact breaches in this excerpt, such rulings typically arise from irregularities such as voter bribery, falsification of results, or non-compliance with electoral guidelines.
The court also ruled that each party would bear its own legal costs, stating:
“Each party shall meet its own costs.”
The ruling follows an election petition filed by NRM’s Faridah Nambi.
This decision opens up a new political showdown in one of Kampala’s most dynamic constituencies, as potential candidates now prepare for a by-election under tight scrutiny. The ruling could also set precedent for ongoing election petitions across the country.
