Kawempe North MP-elect, Elias Nalukoola, has declared that his party, the National Unity Platform (NUP), is ready to defeat the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) in court if the latter challenges his recent by-election victory. Nalukoola, who emerged victorious in the hotly contested Kawempe North by-election, expressed confidence that his win would withstand any legal scrutiny, despite allegations of irregularities raised by the NRM.

Speaking at a press conference held at the NUP headquarters in Kavule on Monday, Nalukoola dismissed the NRM’s claims of vote rigging and other electoral malpractices. He emphasized that his victory was a testament to the will of the people and vowed to defend it using all legal means available. “Amidst the violence, we triumphed. Even in court, we will defeat them with a bloody nose. What they are doing is reverse psychology. We shall defend our victory with every legal means possible,” Nalukoola stated.

The by-election, held last week, saw Nalukoola defeat NRM candidate Faridah Nambi. However, the NRM has since announced its intention to challenge the results, citing alleged irregularities such as ballot stuffing and voter intimidation. Despite these claims, Nalukoola remains steadfast, asserting that the NUP is prepared to counter any legal challenges.

The Leader of the Opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi, echoed Nalukoola’s sentiments, emphasizing the power of the people over what he described as the “power of the gun.” Ssenyonyi praised the resilience of Kawempe North voters and hinted at a broader strategy for future elections. “What we did in Kawempe North shall be done again in the general elections. The power of the people shall prevail over the power of the gun,” he declared.

NUP leader Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, joined in celebrating Nalukoola’s victory, hailing the MP-elect for standing firm in the face of what he described as state-sponsored intimidation and harassment. Kyagulanyi recounted the challenges Nalukoola faced during the campaign, including the alleged abduction of his supporters and the theft of his nomination documents.

“This was not about Nalukoola; it was about you, the people of Kawempe. Congratulations to you. This is unprecedented in the last 40 years of Gen. Museveni’s rule. The deployment of all weapons of war, the theft of documents, and the abduction of his assistant could not stop us. Little did they know that they were charging him. He gave us a good commander after all he went through,” Kyagulanyi said.

The by-election was marred by reports of violence, low voter turnout, and assaults on journalists, including NBS Television’s photo journalist Francis Isano, who was hospitalized following an attack. These incidents have raised concerns about the conduct of elections in Uganda and the safety of those involved in the electoral process.

President Yoweri Museveni, in a recent letter shared on social media, acknowledged the allegations of electoral malpractice and announced that an investigation had been launched. He cited specific incidents, including ballot stuffing, the alteration of results, and the destruction of ballot boxes in areas such as Kazo-Angola and the Mbogo Mosque zone. Museveni also noted instances of campaigning at polling stations, voter intimidation, and violence.

“The heavy deployment of security forces may have stopped mass violence, but it could not stop these micro crimes that should have been managed by the election officials. Some people really miscalculate. To think that you can commit such crimes against the law and the people when the NRM is in charge of the country is the highest form of shallowness. We shall hold everybody accountable,” Museveni stated.

Despite the president’s assurances, Nalukoola and the NUP remain confident in their victory and are prepared to defend it in court if necessary. The by-election has once again highlighted the deep political divisions in Uganda and the challenges of ensuring free and fair elections.

As the legal battle looms, the people of Kawempe North and the broader Ugandan public will be watching closely. For Nalukoola and the NUP, the victory represents not just a political win but a symbolic triumph over what they see as systemic oppression. For the NRM, the outcome of the legal challenge could have significant implications for its credibility and future electoral strategies.

In the end, the Kawempe North by-election is more than just a local contest; it is a microcosm of Uganda’s broader political struggles. As Nalukoola and his supporters prepare to defend their victory, the stakes could not be higher. The battle for Kawempe North is far from over, and its outcome may well shape the future of Ugandan politics.