National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate and lawyer Elias Luyimbazi Nalukoola has been declared the winner of the hotly contested Kawempe North by-election.
Nalukoola polled 17,764 votes against NRM’s Faridah Nambi’s 8,593 votes.
The final results meant that Nalukoola beat his closest opponent by over 9000 votes.
His victory cements NUP’s stronghold in Kawempe North, a constituency formerly represented by the late Hon. Muhammad Ssegirinya, whose passing necessitated the by-election.
The by-election was marked by heightened political tension and reports of violence.
Several journalists covering the election were injured during chaotic scenes that erupted at some polling stations.
Eyewitnesses described incidents of scuffles between security personnel and supporters of various candidates, raising concerns about press freedom and the safety of media practitioners during elections.
Now officially MP-elect, Luyimbaazi is expected to step into the shoes of his predecessor, Muhammad Ssegirinya, who was a vocal advocate for the people of Kawempe North.
Born 42 years ago at Kirokole village , Kawempe I Parish, Nalukoola is a lawyer by profession, having acquired a law degree from Makerere University in 2010.
