The National Unity Platform (NUP) leader, Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine), has strongly condemned the High Court’s decision to nullify the election of Kawempe North MP Erias Nalukoola. Here’s a detailed breakdown of his position and the party’s stance:
1. Denunciation of the Court’s Decision
Bobi Wine and the NUP leadership have labeled the ruling as "politically motivated" and "legally flawed." They argue that the judgment reflects systemic bias against opposition figures and undermines democratic processes. The party’s Secretary General, David Lewis Rubongoya, called it "a day of infamy," accusing the judiciary of collaborating with the ruling NRM to suppress dissent.
2. Commitment to Legal Challenge
NUP has announced plans to appeal the ruling in the Court of Appeal. Bobi Wine emphasized confidence in overturning the decision, stating:
“We shall challenge this absurdity in the higher courts. The people’s will cannot be erased by partisan judgments.”
Nalukoola, a human rights lawyer and NUP member, also vowed to fight the ruling, calling it a "travesty of justice"
3. Allegations of State-Sponsored Electoral Sabotage
Bobi Wine reiterated claims that the NRM government orchestrated electoral malpractices, including voter intimidation, arrests of NUP agents, and destruction of ballot boxes in pro-opposition areas. He accused President Museveni of using state machinery to manipulate outcomes, citing incidents in Kazo-Angola and Mbogo zones where security forces allegedly disrupted voting
4. Framing the Nullification as an Attack on Democracy
Kyagulanyi framed the court’s decision as part of a broader pattern of "oppression" against Ugandans demanding change. He linked the ruling to the 2021 general elections, where he alleges his victory was stolen, and criticized Museveni’s refusal to allow independent audits of contested polls
5. Mobilizing Public Support
Bobi Wine urged Ugandans to remain steadfast in their struggle for democracy, calling Nalukoola’s initial victory "a win against state oppression." He dedicated the ongoing legal battle to "all who refuse to be silenced" and emphasized the need for collective resistance
Key Context
- Court’s Rationale: The High Court nullified Nalukoola’s election due to campaigning on polling day and disenfranchisement of 16,640 voters in 14 polling stations .
- NRM’s Role: The petition was filed by NRM’s Faridah Nambi, who alleged malpractice. President Museveni previously ordered investigations into the by-election, accusing NUP of rigging .
- Next Steps: The Electoral Commission must conduct a fresh election, but NUP insists this will only expose further state-backed irregularities.
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Conclusion
Bobi Wine’s response underscores NUP’s narrative of systemic injustice and resistance against the NRM regime. By appealing the ruling and rallying public support, he aims to frame the legal battle as part of a larger struggle for electoral integrity and democratic governance in Uganda.
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