When does Nalukoola get sworn in?
Kawempe North MP-elect Elias Luyimbazi Nalukoola is set to take his oath of office tomorrow, 26 March 2025 after the Electoral Commission (EC) officially gazetted his victory. Speaker of Parliament Anita Among confirmed the swearing-in, stating that she had received the necessary communication from the EC and would administer the oath in her chambers at noon.
“I have received official communication from the Electoral Commission along with a copy of the gazetted results. I will proceed to swear in the Member of Parliament-elect for Kawempe North in my chambers tomorrow at noon. I would like to congratulate Elias Nalukoola Luyimbazi on his victory,” Speaker Among announced via her X handle.
How did Nalukoola React to the news of getting sworn in?
Mr. Nalukoola, upon being contacted, expressed his anticipation for the swearing-in ceremony. “If it is true, that is good news. I will make it tomorrow for the long-awaited day to swear in as a people’s choice for the people of Kawempe North,” he said.
Also, read about the recent Kawempe by election
How Electoral Commission paved way to let him get sworn in
The EC officially gazetted the results yesterday, confirming Mr. Nalukoola’s win in the Kawempe North by-election. The publication of the gazette was done in accordance with Section 78(1) of the Parliamentary Elections Act, Cap. 177.
However, discrepancies were noted in the gazetted results compared to the initial tally. The National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidate, Faridah Nambi, was recorded as having received 9,058 votes, which is higher than the 8,593 votes initially declared by the returning officer on March 14. Similarly, Mr. Nalukoola’s votes increased by 175 from the initial count.
Concerns Over Vote Discrepancies
These inconsistencies raised concerns within the National Unity Platform (NUP), with Secretary-General David Lewis Rubongoya demanding an explanation from the EC.
“We shall soon seek an explanation from the Electoral Commission why the results in the original tally sheet are different from the ones in the gazette. We can only hope that all these machinations are not intended to create a case for the losing NRM candidate where there is none,” Mr. Rubongoya stated.
Opposition Welcomes the Gazettement
Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Joel Ssenyonyi welcomed the gazettement, attributing it to public pressure.
“The pressure from all corners has paid off. We’re now awaiting the swearing-in of our colleague so he can serve Kawempe North and Uganda at large,” he said.
The gazettement process had faced delays, with NUP officials visiting the EC offices to demand action. Mr. Rubongoya criticized the EC’s slow response, contrasting it with the swift gazettement of ruling party candidates in past elections.
Political Analysts Weigh In
Political analyst Augustine Ruzindana also weighed in, arguing that such delays undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
“Any delay in gazetting the newly elected MP undermines the credibility of the EC and also makes the challenge of the results difficult if not impossible. EC, please fulfill your mandate without unnecessary prevarication,” Mr. Ruzindana remarked.
What the Law Says
The Parliamentary Elections Act, 2005, under Section 59, mandates the EC to declare and publish election results within 48 hours after polling. The delays witnessed in this by-election have raised questions about adherence to this legal provision.
Who Is Elias Luyimbazi Nalukoola?
Elias Luyimbazi Nalukoola is a Ugandan lawyer and politician, now elected as the Member of Parliament for Kawempe North. He is known for his legal expertise, having represented several high-profile cases in Uganda’s courts.
His career in public service has been marked by strong advocacy for justice and human rights. Before venturing into elective politics, he was actively engaged in civil rights activism and legal defense for marginalized groups. His election victory signifies a shift in Kawempe North’s political landscape, where he has positioned himself as a people-centered leader committed to addressing the needs of his constituents.
