Faridah Nambi, the NRM candidate in the recent Kawempe North by-election, has encountered an unexpected twist in her legal battle challenging the March 13, 2025 results.
During a preliminary hearing held Wednesday at the High Court in Kampala, it was disclosed that several key witnesses previously supporting Nambi’s petition had withdrawn their statements. Some now allege they were pressured into testifying in her favor and have since approached the legal team of Hon. Erias Luyimbazi Nalukoola—the declared winner—expressing their intention to recant.
Represented by Crane Associated Advocates, Nambi’s lawyers strongly objected to the reversal. They argued that the witnesses had been unduly influenced by the respondent’s camp and urged the court not to admit their revised testimony.
On the other side, Counsel Muhammad Mbabazi, appearing for Nalukoola, defended the credibility of the witnesses’ decision to come forward with new statements. He described the testimonies as vital to uncovering what truly happened during what he termed a “violence-marred and irregular election.”
“These individuals now wish to speak freely, without coercion. Their voices are part of the truth-seeking process, and this court must allow that process to happen,” Mbabazi told the court.
The court is expected to rule next Monday on whether the altered testimonies will be allowed as part of the ongoing petition.
Nambi filed the petition shortly after the by-election, disputing Nalukoola’s win and calling for the results to be annulled.
She accuses Nalukoola of violating electoral laws, including campaigning on polling day at several stations such as Mbogo Primary School Playground. There, he allegedly addressed voters, chanted slogans, and influenced voters to cast ballots in his favor.
The petition also criticizes the Electoral Commission for allegedly failing to ensure a fair and secure voting process. Nambi points to lapses in vote counting, the protection of election materials, and the transparency of result transmission. She argues that these shortcomings disenfranchised many voters, including herself.
Furthermore, she alleges that Nalukoola and his agents engaged in voter bribery by distributing items like cash, bread, salt, soap, and tea. The petition names several alleged recipients, including Mary Diana Kibuka, George William Mawumbe, and Geoffrey Wamukubira.
The next court session will determine whether the shifting testimonies will be formally admitted, potentially reshaping the course of Nambi’s petition.
