The legal battle surrounding the Kawempe North by-election has taken a dramatic turn as Faridah Nambi, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearer, faces a setback with her second witness struggling to withstand cross-examination.
Nambi is contesting the election victory of the National Unity Platform’s (NUP) Elias Luyimbazi Nalukoola, who emerged winner in the March 13th by-election with 17,939 votes.
Nambi trailed with 9,058 votes, according to the final tally released by the Electoral Commission.
In court proceedings, Margaret Nabukenya, Nambi’s second witness appeared visibly unprepared as she faced tough questioning from the defense team.
Represented by Counsel Muhammad Mbabazi, Remy Bagenda, George Musisi, and Samuel Muyizi, the defense sought clarity on her claims of voter bribery allegedly involving NUP councilor Ritah Nabakooza.
Nabukenya testified that on March 8th, 2025, at around 5:00 PM in Ssekati Zone, Mpererwe Parish, she saw Nabakooza distributing items including bread, soap, salt, rice, and tea leaves to one Kibuuka Diana Mary, a registered voter at Bright Sparks Junior School A–M polling station.
However, under scrutiny, Nabukenya failed to present her academic credentials and admitted that while she claimed to have taken photos of the incident using her mobile phone, she did not engage the accused to confirm the purpose of the alleged distribution.
Justice Bernard Namanya, who is presiding over the case, directed Nabukenya to produce the mobile phone she used to capture the alleged evidence before cross-examination could proceed.
Despite the challenges faced by her witness, Faridah Nambi remains confident, stating that by the end of the day, her witnesses would have presented testimony capable of turning the case in her favor.
The case continues to draw public and political attention as it unfolds in the High Court.
By Alex Magala
14th May 2025
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