By Sekaggya Seka Moses
The High Court in Kampala has adjourned the election petition filed by Faridah Nambi, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidate, challenging the victory of Elias Nalukoola, the National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate, in the March 2025 Kawempe North parliamentary by-election.
The court adjourned the case to May 5, 2025, for further proceedings.
Justice Bernard Namanya ordered Nalukoola to file his defense against allegations that he bribed some of Nambi’s witnesses.
This development comes after Nambi’s lawyers accused Nalukoola’s team of tampering with their witnesses, leading to the retraction of statements supporting Nambi’s petition.
Allegations of Witness Tampering
Nambi’s lawyers claimed that Nalukoola’s team approached their witnesses, coercing them to retract their statements.
The witnesses, including Jjemba Nathan Muwanguzi and Mawumbe George William, had initially sworn affidavits supporting Nambi’s petition, alleging electoral malpractices and bribery by Nalukoola. However, they later retracted their statements, claiming they were coerced.
Election Petition Background
Nambi’s petition alleges that the election was marred by serious irregularities, including campaigning on election day, obstruction of election officials and voters, and acts of bribery.
She claims that Nalukoola’s campaign team, including musician-turned-MP Hillary Kiyaga and singer Mathias Walukagga, were involved in these activities.
Nambi is seeking to annul the election results and order a fresh vote.
Court Proceedings
During the preliminary hearing, Nambi’s lawyers opposed the witnesses’ retraction, arguing that it was unlawful and compromised the integrity of the petition.
Nalukoola’s lawyers, led by Muhammad Mbabazi, insisted that the witnesses’ statements were crucial to their defense and requested more time to file additional affidavits.
The Electoral Commission’s lawyer, Eric Sabiiti, also requested more time to file documents.
The court’s decision to adjourn the case to May 5 allows Nalukoola’s lawyers to respond to Nambi’s preliminary objection and for further proceedings.
The outcome of this case will determine the legitimacy of Nalukoola’s victory and potentially impact the broader contest for influence between NRM and NUP in Kampala.
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