Elias Nalukola The winner Kawempe North by-elections

Elias Luyimbazi Nalukoola, a highly experienced lawyer and politician, won the Kawempe North by-election with a significant majority, representing the National Unity Platform (NUP). Nalukoola received 17,764 votes, clearly leading over Faridah Nambi from the National Resistance Movement (NRM), who secured 8,593 votes among ten candidates.

Who is Elias Nalukoola?

Nalukoola was born in Kirokole Village, Kawempe I Parish, 42 years ago, the child of Swaib Sserugooti Kajjankemba and Madiina Nantongo. He graduated with a Law degree from Makerere University and is known for his distinguished legal career.

His educational path began at Kawempe Islamic Seminary and continued through Kyerima Umea Primary School and Kawempe Muslim Primary School. Financial challenges forced him to leave St. Paul SS Mpererwe during his second year of secondary school. He then moved to Kampala, where he met influential musicians like Bobi Wine, who later became a political colleague.

While in Kampala, Nalukoola, also known as Mr. Dandi on stage, briefly tried a music career by covering Jamaican songs but soon returned to his studies. In 2001, he resumed his education at Nile SS (now Kinaawa High School), completing his O-levels with top marks. He served as head prefect at Kawempe Muslim Secondary School, where he finished his A-levels with excellent results, securing a spot at Makerere

At Makerere, Nalukoola was a vibrant student leader and a guild representative. He ran for guild president in 2008 but was not elected. He also served as youth councillor and deputy speaker for Kawempe Division between 2006 and 2011.

After earning his law degree in 2010, he gained a postgraduate diploma in legal practice from the Law Development Centre. Initially a member of the Democratic Party (DP), he left in 2023 due to disagreements with the party's leadership over their cooperation with President Museveni's government.

Nalukoola has always been dedicated to upholding human rights, constitutionalism, and the rule of law. He worked at various law firms before opening his own, Nalukoola Advocates & Solicitors, in 2016. He played a key role in challenging the constitutional amendment in 2017 that removed the presidential age limit.

Nalukoola's recent electoral win allows him to continue his advocacy work, now from a legislative position, focusing on justice and the rights of Kawempe North residents.