Africa-Press – Uganda. The Kawempe North by-election petition took another dramatic turn this week as new witnesses testified in support of NRM’s Faridah Nambi, alleging electoral irregularities and voter bribery.
One of the key witnesses, Solomon Wanjala, who claimed to have been a member of the NRM since 2004, painted a picture of confusion and mistrust in the electoral process.
Despite admitting he could not understand English, Wanjala said he signed key documents related to the election under unclear circumstances.
“I don’t know English, but I signed my affidavit from the NRM EC after someone explained to me,” Wanjala told court, prompting questions about the authenticity of his affidavit.
Wanjala said he served as an NRM agent in Kiganda Zone, Pentecostal Church, but couldn’t name the exact number of polling stations in Kawempe North.
When pressed about election results, he stated: “I believe Nambi won based on what I saw and what I know.”
He claimed Nambi received 95 votes at his polling station while her rival, Nalukoola, got 130.
The High Court under Justice Bernard Namanya is hearing the election petition after Nambi challenged the election of NUP’s Elias Nalukoola as the Kawempe North MP in the March 13, 2025 by-election.
The petition comes at a time parties are in high gear ahead of the January-February 2026 general elections.
Another notable figure mentioned during testimony was Ben Ntale Mukasa who allegedly began distributing money to voters as early as 8am on polling day.
Wanjala alleged that Mukasa gave Shs5,000 to a voter, Geoffrey Wamukubira, but admitted he never filed a formal complaint nor documented names of the many he claims were bribed.
Margret Nabukenya, a voter from Ssekanyonyi, also testified, albeit with limited documentation.
She claimed she witnessed Ritah Kansala Nabakooza, a supporter of Nalukoola, distributing items like bread, salt, rice, and tea to voters.
“This happened on March 8, before I officially became an agent on March 12,” she said.
However, she failed to provide photographic evidence or the phone she used to record the events, despite the court requesting it.
Another witness, Saliva Niwamanya from Kazo Angola Zone, who served as Nambi’s agent, stated the election started late and that the declaration of results (DR) form was missing.
“Nalukoola incited people claiming the will of the people was being betrayed,” he said, noting that chaos broke out during the vote counting.
Witness Jane Nansamba testified that she overheard some NUP supporters urging people to vote for Nalukoola, while Ahmed Kasule remained brief, saying the situation hasn’t shaken them and that the NRM team remains “strong and undeterred.”
In closing statements, Nambi’s legal team insisted their witnesses had “seen enough to question the legitimacy of the election,” while Nalukoola’s camp dismissed the testimonies as “confused and uncoordinated.”
“There’s no credible pain or worry in what they’ve said,” Nalukoola remarked. “Most of them have no solid proof.”
The case continues as court considers whether the presented evidence is sufficient to overturn the election results.
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