Elias Luyimbazi Nalukoola of the National Unity Platform (NUP) has won the Kawempe Division North parliamentary by-election with 17,764 votes, following the death of former MP Muhammad Ssegirinya.
The official results, announced by the Electoral Commission at Makerere University, show Nalukoola defeating his closest rival, Namabi Faridah Kigongo of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), who received 8,593 votes.
Elias Luyimbazi Nalukoola (NUP) – 17,764 votes
Namabi Faridah Kigongo (NRM) – 8,593 votes
Hanifah Karadi Murerwa (Independent) – 381 vote
Sadat Mukiibi (FDC) – 239 votes
Henry Mubiru Kasacca (DP) – 100 votes
The seat became vacant after Ssegirinya’s death, and Nalukoola’s victory strengthens NUP’s position in Kampala.
While the election process was mostly peaceful, security forces reportedly harassed journalists and detained opposition activists. Police and military were heavily deployed around polling stations, and several NUP supporters were arrested.
Human rights groups condemned the violence, which they viewed as an attack on press freedom and democratic right
Voter turnout was moderate, with 27,596 valid ballots out of 28,002 issued. Nalukoola was officially declared the winner by Returning Officer Henry Makabayi.
