By Dean Lubowa Saava
National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, has declared that his party is prepared for a fresh electoral contest in Kawempe Division North. This comes after the Kampala High Court nullified the election of Elias Nalukoola as Member of Parliament for the constituency.
Speaking during a visit to Northern Uganda, Bobi Wine condemned the ruling, describing it as politically motivated and emblematic of the “rottenness” within Uganda’s judicial and political systems. “What Judge Namanya has done does not stop us,” he told supporters and journalists. “We are, of course, going to appeal, but the Court of Appeal can also be unjust. Still, we are more than happy to go to the people of Kawempe once again.”
Justice Namanya’s ruling followed a petition filed by NRM’s Nambi Faridah Kigongo, who accused Nalukoola of breaching electoral laws by campaigning on polling day. The court found that Nalukoola had indeed engaged in illegal canvassing, violating the Parliamentary Elections Act. Furthermore, the judge ruled that the destruction of ballots disenfranchised approximately 16,640 voters, materially affecting the final result.
Bobi Wine, however, insisted that the judicial process was deeply compromised, alleging long-standing interference and manipulation by state actors. “You remember when Nalukoola won, it took a lot of pressure to announce him, even when he had won at all polling stations,” he said. “Even his gazetting was delayed, and his swearing-in had to be conducted from the Speaker’s office under unusual circumstances. This shows how much our institutions have been muzzled.”
He accused the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) of using state machinery, including violence and vast financial resources, to try and retain control of Kawempe North. “A lot of violence took place, and a lot of money was spent, but we still beat them,” Bobi Wine asserted.
Despite the court setback, the NUP leader remained resolute, maintaining that the will of the people would ultimately prevail. “They said it once, they will say it again and again,” he said. “We are confident that the people elected Nalukoola, and they will elect him again.”
The NUP has confirmed it will appeal the High Court’s decision but is also preparing for a by-election, should the legal process not overturn the ruling. “He might nullify the election, but he cannot change the minds of the people of Uganda, and he cannot stop them from wanting change,” Bobi Wine said defiantly.
The ruling marks yet another legal battle for the NUP in its broader struggle against what it describes as an entrenched and undemocratic regime. Whether through the courts or at the ballot box, the opposition party has made it clear: it is ready to continue the fight.
