The Central Executive Committee (CEC) of Uganda’s ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) has rejected the results of the Kawempe North by-election, announced by the Independent Electoral Commission on Friday. The party has vowed to challenge the outcome in court, citing alleged voter intimidation, electoral malpractice, and violence against its supporters.
A statement released by NRM Secretary General Hon. Richard Todwong on Saturday confirmed the party’s stance following a meeting chaired by President Yoweri Museveni. According to the statement, NRM flag bearer Ms. Faridah Nambi Kigongo lost to the National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate, who secured 17,764 votes against Nambi’s 8,593.
“Our immediate observation of this by-election exercise is that it was marred with violence, voter intimidation, and alleged rigging,” Todwong stated. The NRM claims that many of its supporters, particularly women and the elderly, were threatened and prevented from casting their votes.
The party further alleged that security personnel were provoked by opposition supporters, leading to instances of excessive force that resulted in arrests and injuries, including to journalists. The government has since launched an investigation into these incidents, with assurances that those responsible will be held accountable.
In addition, the NRM accused both opposition groups and some of its own supporters of electoral malpractices, including ballot stuffing. The Electoral Commission reportedly nullified results from several polling stations, affecting over 50,000 votes—more than 62% of the total expected ballots.
“The declaration of a winner based on less than 40% of the expected votes significantly undermines the mandate of the electorate,” the statement continued.
The ruling party insists it will not accept what it describes as “complete disenfranchisement” and will pursue legal avenues to challenge the results. The Electoral Commission has not yet responded to these allegations.