NUP To Challenge Court Ruling Nullifying Election Of Kawempe North MP Elias Luyimbazi Nalukoola

Kampala, Uganda — May 26, 2025
The National Unity Platform (NUP) has announced its intention to challenge a High Court ruling that nullified the election of Elias Luyimbazi Nalukoola, Member of Parliament for Kawempe North. The party has described the judgment as both politically motivated and legally flawed.

On Monday, Justice Bernard Namanya of the High Court in Kampala declared Nalukoola’s parliamentary seat vacant, citing multiple electoral irregularities during the 2021 by-election. The judge ruled that Nalukoola campaigned on election day and that voting was disrupted at 14 polling stations—factors he said significantly affected the election outcome.

The decision has sparked strong criticism from NUP leaders and supporters. Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya condemned the ruling, calling it “a day of infamy.”

“So Judge Bernard Namanya has nullified the election of comrade Nalukoola claiming that he campaigned on election day and that elections were disrupted at 14 polling stations!” Rubongoya posted.

Nalukoola, a prominent human rights lawyer and outspoken government critic, confirmed plans to appeal the ruling.

“Hopefully, the Court of Appeal will overturn this absurd decision,” he said, without offering further details.

Nalukoola was elected on March 13, 2021, in a by-election following the death of former MP Muhammad Ssegirinya. He has since gained recognition for his vocal stance on issues such as governance, police brutality, and electoral reforms.

The NUP has vowed to stand by Nalukoola as they take the matter to the Court of Appeal, expressing confidence that justice will ultimately prevail.