Erias Luyimbazi Nalukoola, the National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate, has emerged victorious in the Kawempe North parliamentary by-election, securing 17,764 votes. 

This win solidifies NUP’s dominance in Kampala, with Nalukoola’s closest rival, Faridah Namabi Kigongo of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), trailing behind with 8,593 votes.

The election saw a total of 28,002 ballots cast, with 27,596 valid votes, 406 rejected ballots, and 49 spoiled ballots. Independent candidate Hanifah Murerwa Karadi came third with 381 votes, followed by other contenders, including Muhammad Luwemba Lusswa and Sadat Mukitibi alias Khalifa Aganaga of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC).

Nalukoola’s decisive win is not only a testament to NUP’s grip on Kampala but also a significant morale boost for the party as it prepares for the 2026 general elections. 

However, the election was marred by violence, particularly against journalists, with reports of beatings and kidnappings by security agencies.

By Charles Katabalwa

14th March 2025

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