Former Defence Minister Vincent Bamulangaki Ssempijja has vowed to petition the High Court to challenge the outcome of the recent parliamentary elections, following the dismissal of his vote recount application by the Chief Magistrate’s Court.
Ssempijja, who contested on the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) ticket, lost the seat to National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate Yusuf Kiruruuta Nkeretaanyi by 2,641 votes.
His announcement came after dozens of his supporters, led by local NRM leaders from sub-counties including Lwabenge, Bukulula and Lukaya, poured into his home in Kapeere Zone Lukaya Town Council demanding clarity on his next course of action. The supporters expressed frustration over both his electoral defeat and the court’s refusal to grant a vote recount.
Carrying placards calling for justice and transparency, the group questioned why Ssempijja had remained silent following the court ruling, saying the uncertainty had left them confused about the way forward.
“We need to know whether our candidate is still pursuing the matter. We believe the victory was stolen,”they said.
In response, Ssempijja reassured his supporters that he has not abandoned the fight and will seek redress in the High Court.
“I cannot remain silent in the face of serious irregularities,” Ssempijja said, alleging that the Kalungu East election was marred by electoral malpractice.
He further claimed that some of his supporters lost their lives during the electoral process, a situation he described as tragic and unacceptable.
Ssempijja also accused some NRM leaders in Kalungu District of working against him during the campaigns, a claim that underscores growing internal tensions within the party at district level.
Hellen Nakeeya, who contested for the Kalungu District Woman Member of Parliament seat on the NRM ticket but lost to State Minister Aisha Ssekindi, who ran as an independent candidate, called for calm among party supporters.
She said their grievances have already been forwarded to relevant authorities and urged members to remain patient as the matter is handled through lawful channels.
The developments come amid a significant political shift in Kalungu District, where the National Unity Platform (NUP) emerged dominant, winning the majority of elective positions, a departure from previous electoral trends in the area.
Ssempijja’s planned High Court petition now sets the stage for another legal battle that could further test the district’s political landscape.