Dramatic Court Ruling: Faridah Nambi Was Denied Chance To Vote-Judge Namanya Rules

The High Court in Kampala has overturned the election of Hon. Elias Luyimbazi Nalukoola as Member of Parliament for Kawempe Division North, citing major irregularities—chief among them the alleged disenfranchisement of over 16,000 voters, including the petitioner, Hon. Nambi Faridah Kigongo.

In a ruling delivered by Justice Bernard Namanya, the court determined that the March 2025 by-election failed to meet the legal standards outlined in the Parliamentary Elections Act.

The judge concluded that the irregularities were both procedural and substantive, with the potential to alter the final outcome of the vote.

A central argument in the petition was that Nambi herself had been denied the opportunity to vote.

The court accepted this claim and referenced it in its decision to nullify the election.

However, video footage and images widely shared on social media and in news reports show Nambi visibly casting her vote on polling day, raising questions about the accuracy of the claim.

The ruling did not directly engage with this publicly available evidence.

The court also found that Mr. Nalukoola engaged in illegal campaign activities on election day at Mbogo Primary School Playground and Kazo Angola LCI Office—actions that violate Sections 100(1)(a)(b), 100(2)(a), and 100(3) of the Parliamentary Elections Act (Cap. 177).

In his decision, Justice Namanya stated:

“The election of Luyimbazi Elias Nalukoola as the Directly Elected Member of Parliament for Kawempe Division North constituency in Kampala District is hereby set aside.”

The court declared the parliamentary seat vacant and directed the Electoral Commission to organize a fresh election. Each party was ordered to bear its own legal costs.

Petition and Political Fallout

The ruling followed a petition filed by the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and its candidate, Hon. Nambi Faridah Kigongo, who alleged widespread electoral malpractice including voter bribery, illegal campaigning, and election-day disruptions orchestrated by Nalukoola’s agents.

The March 2025 by-election was marred by intense rivalry, security clampdowns, and allegations by the National Unity Platform (NUP)—Nalukoola’s party—of voter intimidation by state agencies.

With the seat now declared vacant, Kawempe North is headed for yet another heated electoral contest. However, NUP has rejected the High Court’s ruling and vowed to appeal the decision in the Court of Appeal, citing what it called a “deeply flawed judgment” and promising to challenge the findings surrounding both the voter disenfranchisement claim and the alleged illegal campaigning.

The Electoral Commission is expected to issue a revised election roadmap in the coming weeks.