Faridah Nambi now trending across Uganda after her heavy defeat in the Kawempe North parliamentary election on January 15, 2026. The staunch National Resistance Movement supporter lost to National Unity Platform candidate Erias Nalukoola Luyimbazi by a wide margin.
Luyimbazi pulled in 34,985 votes against Nambi’s 8,930. The result led to chaotic scenes at the tally centre, with her supporters clashing with officials and forcing a brief disruption.
The trouble started as results came in. Nambi’s backers accused officials of irregularities. They surrounded the tally table and demanded a stop. One officer grabbed the winner’s papers and ran off briefly before returning them.
Police stepped in to calm things. No injuries were reported, but the incident delayed final announcements. Videos of the chaos spread fast on social media, fuelling the trending topic.
Nambi, daughter of a noted journalist and cleric, has built a name in youth mobilisation for NRM. She campaigned on development promises like better roads and jobs in the constituency.
Kawempe North sits in Kampala, a busy urban area with many young voters. NUP has strong support there from past elections. The loss shows NRM struggling to hold city seats against opposition waves.
Nambi called for a recount right after. She pointed to skipped ballot boxes and technical glitches at some polling stations. “We cannot accept this,” she told supporters. Her team plans to petition the court if needed. The Electoral Commission has not commented on her claims yet. They certified Luyimbazi as the winner and said the process followed the rules.
The fallout highlights election tensions in Uganda. Urban areas like Kampala often see heated contests. NUP draws big crowds with messages on change and youth issues.
NRM counters with government projects and experience. This by-election came after the previous MP’s seat fell vacant. Turnout was high, showing voter interest.
Supporters of Nambi say the chaos came from frustration over perceived unfairness. Others blame poor losing grace. Online, posts mix sympathy for her with criticism of the disruption. “Elections should stay peaceful,” one user wrote. Another said, “Recount if evidence exists.”
Luyimbazi celebrated quietly with his team. He thanked voters and promised to focus on constituency needs. He called for calm and unity after the vote.
Kawempe North faces common urban challenges. Poor drainage causes floods. Youth unemployment stays high. Markets and small businesses drive the economy. The new MP will handle those issues in parliament.
This result adds to NRM’s urban struggles. The party dominates rural areas but loses ground in cities. Analysts say it reflects generational shifts. Young voters lean toward opposition voices.
Nambi has not said if she will run again. She thanked supporters in a short post. The chaos at the tally centre remains the talking point. Police say they monitored but made no arrests.
Uganda’s elections often bring strong emotions. This by-election fits that pattern. Peaceful handovers matter most. Both sides call for that now. The story keeps attention online.
Hashtags with Nambi’s name trend. People debate fairness and next steps. Kampala moves on to daily life. But the election leaves marks. New MP starts work soon. Residents hope for results.
