The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has announced plans to challenge the results of the Kawempe North by-election in court, citing widespread irregularities and human rights violations during the electoral process. The by-election, held on January 13, was marred by violence, voter intimidation, and allegations of electoral malpractice.
The FDC alleges that the Electoral Commission failed to uphold the integrity of the election, particularly in areas such as Kazo Angola, where chaos erupted over the position of the Local Council (LC) chairperson. The party claims that its candidate, Sharif Bukenya, and others were denied a fair chance to compete due to the commission's inability to declare a winner or provide clear guidelines.
FDC President Patrick Oboi Amuriat, alongside other party leaders, expressed dissatisfaction with the conduct of the by-election. He emphasized that the FDC is determined to seek justice through legal means, stating that the party will not accept the results until a thorough investigation is conducted.
The by-election, which saw the National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate, Erias Nalukoola, emerge as the winner, was also criticized for low voter turnout and the heavy presence of security personnel, which allegedly intimidated voters. Reports of violence against journalists, including Salt Media’s Yasin Kikoyo, Robert Mutebi, and Owora Gabriel, further tainted the electoral process.
The FDC has also raised concerns about the financial resources it invested in the election, particularly in the Kazo Angola LC race, which it claims were wasted due to the Electoral Commission's failure to fulfill its mandate.
The party has called for accountability and transparency in the electoral process, urging the Electoral Commission to address the issues raised and ensure that future elections are free, fair, and credible.
As the FDC prepares to take legal action, the Kawempe North by-election remains a contentious issue, highlighting the need for electoral reforms to restore public confidence in Uganda’s democratic processes.
