KAMPALA, Uganda — The High Court in Kampala has scheduled a preliminary hearing for April 30 in an election petition challenging the victory of Elias Nalukoola, a National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate, in the Kawempe North by-election.
The hearing, set for 9 a.m., will allow parties to agree on key facts for the trial, according to a court notice signed by Registrar Simon Kintu Zirintusa. The notice warned the hearing would proceed even if parties or their representatives did not attend.
Faridah Nambi Kigongo, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidate, filed the petition, alleging irregularities and malpractices. She claims the election was marred by illegal campaigning, voter and official obstruction, and bribery.
Court documents state Nambi alleges “non-compliance with the Parliamentary Elections Act” that significantly affected the election outcome.
Nambi accuses Nalukoola’s team, including campaigners Julius Mutebi, Mathias Walukagga, and MP Hillary Kiyaga, also known as Dr. Hilderman, of obstructing election officials and interfering with polling processes at Kazo Angola’s Bosa’s Road station. She also alleges the Electoral Commission failed to account for results from 14 polling stations, affecting 16,640 registered voters.
Represented by Crane Associated Advocates, Nambi seeks court orders to invalidate the election, citing substantial non-compliance with electoral laws.
Nalukoola denies the allegations, including vote bribery and unlawful campaigning with the slogan “Nze Nalukoola.” The Electoral Commission maintains the election was conducted fairly and transparently.
