By Aggrey Baba
A goat that belongs to the community is never skinny, but in Kawempe North, the Electoral Commission’s hesitation has left Elias Luyimbazi Nalukoola’s swearing-in hanging by a thread.
Despite being declared the winner of last week’s parliamentary by-election, the EC has yet to officially confirm him as the duly elected representative, casting uncertainty over his assumption of office.
The delay has raised eyebrows among legal experts and opposition politicians, with many questioning whether the commission is failing to follow Uganda’s electoral laws.
Speaker of Parliament Anita Among has demanded an explanation, making it clear that without the official gazette notice, she cannot administer Nalukoola’s oath.
“If a member wins, we wait for a gazette. When I get it, that’s when I can swear in a member. So, I am waiting for a gazette,” Among stated during a recent parliamentary session.
Under the law, the EC must declare and publish election results within 48 hours of polling. However, more than a week has passed without Nalukoola’s confirmation. While the commission insists it is still within its legal timeframe, critics, including NUP spokesperson Joel Ssenyonyi, believe the delay is politically motivated.
“When you declare a winner, your job is done. Just gazette them and let them be sworn in,” Ssenyonyi argued, warning that any grievances should be settled in court, not through administrative delays.
Meanwhile, President Museveni has ordered an investigation into the Kawempe North election results, fueling speculation that the probe may be influencing the EC’s reluctance to confirm Nalukoola’s victory.
Initially, the commission claimed it was waiting for an election report from Kawempe North, but with the deadline now past, no clear explanation has been given.
As uncertainty looms, the question remains whether the EC will uphold its duty, or this will mark the beginning of a new political tug-of-war. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
