COSASE Grills Electoral Commission Over Nalukoola By-Election Failings

Parliament’s Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE) has faulted the Electoral Commission for its handling of the Kawempe North by-election, which was nullified by the High Court over electoral violence.

MPs questioned the Commission’s failure to appeal the court’s decision that overturned the victory of Erias Nalukoola Luyimbazi. Justice Bernard Namanya ruled that the election was marred by irregularities, including violence, bribery, and illegal campaigning.

COSASE chairperson Medard Sseggona criticised the Commission's response to the court’s condemnation.

“Are you proud of what happened in Kawempe North?” he asked.

“The country must go through another costly election, and more violence. Are you really in charge?”

Acting Electoral Commission Secretary Richard Kamugisha Baabo told the committee that violence broke out when security forces intervened.

“Our officials were filling declaration forms when people started throwing stones. They had to flee. Should they have stayed and been stoned?” he said.

MPs also expressed concern over the Commission's quick decision not to appeal the ruling.

“Soon after the judgment, the EC chairperson, Justice Byabakama, said he would not appeal. Did the Commission even review the ruling?” asked Mukono North MP Abdallah Kiwanuka.

The case that led to the nullification had been filed by Faridah Nambi in the High Court’s Civil Division.

She accused Nalukoola, a National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate, of voter bribery, obstructing electoral officials, and campaigning on polling day—violations of EC guidelines.

Nalukoola had been declared winner in the contested by-election, but the court ruling and the EC’s inaction have stirred criticism from both MPs and NUP supporters.

COSASE has demanded accountability and clarity on how the Commission plans to ensure free and fair elections going forward.