The National Resistance Movement (NRM) has withdrawn its petition for a vote recount in the recent Kawempe North parliamentary by-election.
WHY NRM Withdraws Vote Recount Petition for Kawempe North By-Election?
The National Resistance Movement (NRM) has withdrawn its petition for a vote recount in the recent Kawempe North parliamentary by-election. NRM’s director of legal services, Mr. Enoch Barata stated that the petition was rendered moot following the Electoral Commission’s official gazetting of the election results. He explained, “We had initially requested for vote count, but the application was overtaken by events. It does not make sense to continue when the gazette exercise is done.”
NRM Plans to Challenge Election Results in Court
Despite withdrawing the vote recount petition, the NRM intends to challenge the by-election results legally. Mr. Barata cited “high levels of intimidation of the NRM supporters and voters before and after the election day,” which he asserts violates electoral laws. This decision aligns with the party’s earlier stance, as NRM Secretary-General Richard Todwong announced plans to petition the court, alleging that the election was neither free nor fair due to reported incidents of violence and malpractice.
Background of the By-Election
The Kawempe North by-election, held on March 13, 2025, was necessitated by the passing of former MP Muhammad Ssegirinya. Elias Luyimbazi Nalukoola of the National Unity Platform (NUP) was declared the winner with 17,764 votes, while NRM’s Faridah Nambi secured 9,058 votes, an increase from the initially reported 8,593 votes. The Electoral Commission’s gazette notice confirmed these results.
Allegations of Electoral Malpractice
The by-election was marred by reports of violence and intimidation. The NRM alleges that its supporters faced significant harassment, which they claim compromised the integrity of the electoral process. The party’s Central Executive Committee, chaired by President Yoweri Museveni, resolved to challenge the results in court to ensure justice and uphold democratic principles.
Opposition’s Response
In response to the NRM’s intentions, NUP Secretary-General David Lewis Rubongoya dismissed the ruling party’s claims, asserting that the NRM’s actions are an attempt to undermine the will of the people. He emphasized that the election reflected the voters’ choice and that any legal challenge would be baseless.
As the NRM prepares its legal challenge, the political climate in Kawempe North remains tense, with both parties standing firm on their positions regarding the election’s legitimacy.
Bantu MEDIA 