The National Unity Platform (NUP) has once again found itself in turbulent political waters following a dramatic twist in the Kawempe North parliamentary seat saga. What was expected to be a straightforward by-election victory turned into a prolonged court battle, ultimately leading to the annulment of the results and a call for fresh elections — a major setback for the opposition party ahead of Uganda’s upcoming national polls in August.
Elias Luyimbazi Nalukoola, the NUP candidate, won the Kawempe North by-election in March 2025 after the tragic passing of former MP Muhammad Ssegirinya. The seat had become symbolic for the NUP, representing not only voter loyalty in Kampala’s urban areas but also a continuation of Ssegirinya’s vocal presence in Parliament.
However, that victory was short-lived. The High Court, citing alleged irregularities and malpractices during the voting process, ruled that the election results were invalid. The Electoral Commission was instructed to organize a fresh election for the constituency, plunging Kawempe North back into a state of political limbo.
This development has come at a critical time. With general elections just two months away, NUP is now faced with the challenge of campaigning simultaneously for national leadership and a rerun in a constituency where it was already declared victorious. The uncertainty surrounding the seat has led to questions from supporters and political observers alike: Why has the MP-elect not been sworn in? Was the court decision politically influenced? And most importantly, can NUP hold on to the seat amid mounting pressure?
Opposition figures have criticized what they call “deliberate political sabotage,” arguing that the judiciary and security forces are being used to weaken NUP’s momentum in Kampala and other urban areas. The delayed confirmation of Luyimbazi as the area MP has only added fuel to the fire, leaving constituents without proper representation in Parliament.
The NUP leadership, while expressing disappointment, remains defiant. Party spokespersons have assured voters that they will contest the rerun with renewed energy and a commitment to defend the will of the people. Yet the psychological and organizational toll of restarting a campaign just months before a nationwide election cannot be underestimated.
As Uganda heads toward the August general elections, the misfortune that has befallen NUP in Kawempe North serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing opposition parties in the country’s political environment. Whether the party can overcome this setback and reclaim its stronghold remains to be seen — but for now, the seat hangs in the balance, caught between courtrooms and campaign trails.
