By Aggrey Baba
In the political game, money can buy a loudspeaker, but it can’t buy the people’s hearts. The landslide victory of NUP’s Elias Luyimbazi Nalukoola in the Kawempe North by-election sent a clear signal to the NRM, that despite its deep pockets and state machinery, the will of the people prevailed.
Nalukoola secured 17,764 votes, leaving NRM’s Faridah Nambi far behind with 8,593. The election was marred by violence and the harassment of journalists, yet the NUP still emerged victorious against all odds.
This victory further cemented NUP’s dominance in Kampala, where the party now holds eight out of nine parliamentary seats. The only exception is Muhammad Nsereko, an independent MP representing Kampala Central.
For the NRM, the loss was particularly painful given the vast resources it poured into the race. The ruling party deployed everything at its disposal, financial incentives, state security backing, and high-profile endorsements, but still failed to turn the tide.
Nambi, the daughter of NRM Vice Chairman Al-Hajj Moses Kigongo, enjoyed strong backing from President Museveni, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, Deputy Secretary General Rose Namayanja, and Director of Mobilization Rosemary Sseninde. They all rallied voters, arguing that electing her would bring development through her connections to the central government.
NRM spokesperson Rogers Mulindwa praised Nambi’s door-to-door campaign, contrasting it with what he claimed were NUP’s staged rallies filled with “imported” supporters.
Yet, reports on social media suggested that some Kawempe residents took NRM’s money but still voted for Nalukoola, an indication that money alone cannot buy loyalty.
The ruling party also relied heavily on security forces, who targeted NUP campaigners while allowing government-backed candidates to move freely. NUP leaders decried this as clear state bias, but it only strengthened the opposition’s resolve.
Despite all these efforts, NRM’s strategy crumbled for several reasons. First, Kampala’s urban electorate has steadily leaned towards NUP, fueled by dissatisfaction with the government’s 40-year rule. Issues like corruption, unemployment, and poor public services dominated Nalukoola’s campaign message, resonating with voters who feel left behind.
The late Muhammad Ssegirinya’s landslide victory in 2021 had already made Kawempe North an NUP stronghold, and Nalukoola’s win only reinforced that trend. His success reflected the growing frustration among young voters, who see NUP as a vehicle for change.
Second, NRM’s use of security intimidation may have backfired. Heavy-handed tactics, instead of discouraging NUP supporters, energized them to turn out in defiance.
The low voter turnout, partly due to fear and logistical delays, did not suppress NUP’s numbers as the ruling party had hoped. Instead, it turned the election into a protest vote against state repression.
Nalukoola captured this mood in his victory speech: “Ours is not just a win, but proof that people power cannot be crushed.” His words summed up the resilience of voters who braved threats to make their voices heard.
Third, internal wrangles within the NRM weakened its campaign. Hanifah Karadi, an NRM member who ran as an independent after questioning Nambi’s selection, split the party’s vote. Her warm reception among voters suggested that many were unhappy with how the ruling party handpicked its candidates. This internal division drained NRM’s resources and scattered its support base.
In the end, the by-election proved that money and state backing are not enough to sway an electorate determined for change. Museveni’s personal involvement in the campaign could not reverse the deep-seated discontent in Kawempe North.
Nambi’s 8,593 votes, though respectable, were no match for Nalukoola’s commanding lead. The results showed that voters prioritized NUP’s promise of accountability and youth empowerment over the ruling party’s offers of patronage.
With this win, NUP has tightened its grip on Kampala and sent a strong message, that no matter how much money is spent or how much force is used, the people’s voice cannot be silenced forever.
Now, the spotlight shifts to Nalukoola, can he deliver on his promises? And for the NRM, the bigger question remains: will it learn from this loss, or will it continue using tactics that seem to be losing their grip on Uganda’s urban voters? (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
