The National Unity Platform (NUP) reclaimed Kawempe North in a by-election marred by allegations of electoral malpractice, voter bribery, and violence.
Lawyer Elias Luyimbazi Nalukoola secured victory with 17,764 votes, defeating the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidate Faridah Nambi, who garnered 8,593 votes.
The junior minister of youth and children, Balaam Barugahara, was not impressed by the outcome of the election and says the NRM candidate Faridah Nambi was cheated.
In a tweet made shortly after the declaration of results, Balaam tasked the supporters of NRM to work towards winning over support in the coming 2026 general elections.
"Congratulations, Hon. Luyimbazi Nalukoola, on your win in the Kawempe North Parliamentary by-election. I wish you well, despite concerns about the election's legitimacy. To all HE mzee @KagutaMuseveni, and Gen @mkainerugaba’s patriotic youth in Kawempe, let's unite and work towards reclaiming the seat in 2026. We won't tolerate chaos in future elections, but for now, I extend congratulations in the spirit of national unity. Our candidate below was cheated," he wrote.
Balaam was a common face in the Kawempe North by-election, and according to the NUP President, he was among the people who attempted to manipulate voters during the voting.
