FDC to sue Electoral Commission over Kawempe North by-election dispute

FDC’s candidate, musician-turned-politician Sadat Mukiibi, also known as Kalifah Aganaga, secured only 239 votes.

Opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party has announced plans to sue the Electoral Commission (EC) over alleged irregularities in the recent Kawempe North by-election.

FDC President Patrick Oboi Amuriat, speaking at a press conference in Kampala, accused the electoral body of failing to ensure a free and fair election.

The by-election, held to replace the late Muhammad Ssegirinya, was won by the National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate Elias Naukoola Luyimbazi with 17,764 votes.

FDC’s candidate, musician-turned-politician Sadat Mukiibi, also known as Kalifah Aganaga, secured only 239 votes.

Amuriat claimed the election was marred by “violence and intimidation,” which he said “suppressed voter turnout and affected FDC’s performance.”

“We will sue the Electoral Commission because they failed to take responsibility. After seeing all this mess happening in Kawempe [North], it was within their power to stop that election,” Amuriat told reporters on Tuesday.

He alleged that ballot boxes in over 15 polling stations were destroyed. “You can imagine the number of votes that were lost. They didn’t stop the election, they went ahead to conduct it, even with all those frauds, and an announcement was made,” he added.

FDC also condemned acts of violence witnessed during the election. On polling day, several individuals, including journalists, were reportedly assaulted by security personnel, while election materials were allegedly destroyed at some polling stations.

Amuriat criticized attacks on journalists and called for compensation for those who were injured or had their equipment confiscated.

“This violence against journalists is unacceptable and undermines press freedom and democracy. Journalists play a crucial role in holding those in power accountable and providing citizens with accurate information. They must be able to perform their duties without fear of intimidation or violence,” he said.

The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), led by President Museveni, has also raised concerns about the election, accusing the opposition of vote rigging and intimidation.

Museveni has since ordered an investigation ainto the electoral violence that marred the March 13 vote while NRM also vowed a court challenge to the election.