On Thursday, Ugandans witnessed one of the most violent By-election in Kawempe North, which must have come second to the Arua By-election of 2019 of Hon. Kasiano Wadir against NRM’s Nusira Tiperu.
However at a point where one might except everyone to be okay with the outcomes of the elections, the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) has gone against the odds to challenge Victory of opposition’s Erias Luyimbazi Nalukoola.
Nalukoola floored NRM’s Faridah Nambi with a difference of close to 10000 votes, but its ironic the ruling party Senior leadership has rubbished the hard earned opposition victory, with threats to go the court and challenge the so-called ‘shum results’.
The Ug Tribune website sat down and analyzed the 5 key reasons why the opposition should be worried of the NRM move in the pipeline.
Electoral Experience: During 2016 general elections, when NRM supporters clashed with Go Forward team under the former super Minister John Patrick Amama Mbabazi, President Museveni is on record saying that no one has right to frastrate ruling party thus describing the NRM as the master of violence. No wonder within a shortest time, Go Forward was disfranchised and extremely humbled. The NRM we all know has a wealth of experience in navigating Uganda’s electoral landscape. They’ve been in power for decades, and their familiarity with the system gives them an edge in contesting election outcomes.
Financial Muscle: At the moment, there is no doubt that most of opposition candidates, if not all are now very broke. NRM has significant financial resources at its disposal, which enables them to pursue lengthy and costly legal battles. This financial muscle could intimidate or overwhelm the opposition.
Potential Precedent: Do you remember Nansana Municipality court contest between NRM’s Robert Kasule Ssebunya and then DP’s Wakayima Musoke before joining NUP? His victory was challenged on grounds of arrangement of names in the voters register and court instead declared NRM’s Ssebunya in a ruling as member of Parliament yet he had come number three in the race after Forum for Democratic Party (FDC) Rajab Ssema Kaaya. Such a dubious acts should make opposition get worried. The other incident is the one of Peter Ssematimba Vs Counsel Stephen Ssekigozi in Busiro South, the court process was strategically prolonged until it was late to conduct a By-election.
Though the ‘Mafia’ Judge Stephen Kavuma is now in retirement, I believe the team that might have instructed him to act the way he did are still in power. Therefore if the NRM succeeds in challenging Nalukoola’s victory, it could set a precedent for future elections. The opposition might face similar challenges, which could erode their confidence in the electoral process.
Divided Opposition: The opposition in Uganda is already fragmented, with various parties and factions vying for power. The NRM’s challenge could further divide the opposition, making it harder for them to present a united front against the ruling party.
Intimidation Factor: Yes, I know its still too early for you to forget the Kazo-Angola chaos, and the multiple incidents involving Journalists and political players. I believe the NRM’s decision to challenge the election outcome could intimidate other opposition candidates and supporters, potentially discouraging them from participating in the next course of action that giving the ruling party an added advantage.
Overall, the NRM’s move to challenge Nalukoola’s victory is a calculated strategy to maintain their grip on power. The opposition should be worried, as this development could have far-reaching implications for Uganda’s electoral landscape especially when we are heading towards the 2026 general elections.
