By NRM’s Faridah Nambi has accused recently sworn in Kawempe North MP Elias Nalukoola of bribing three key witnesses to withdraw affidavits alleging voter bribery.
Speaking to the press outside court, Nambi’s legal team claimed that Nalukoola and his lawyers illegally approached their witnesses in a bid to force them to recant evidence previously submitted in support of Nambi’s petition.
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“This morning, we informed court that Hon. Nalukoola and his lawyers engaged in an illegal practice of enticing our witnesses to withdraw affidavits that exposed bribery during the election,” Nambi’s lawyer said. “This is a direct violation of the law and professional conduct rules.”
The lawyers further argued that the new affidavits, in which witnesses withdrew their earlier statements, should be struck off the record, saying they were obtained unlawfully and under coercion. They asked court to retain only the original affidavits and allow for normal cross-examination.
“If Nalukoola truly believes the evidence is false, why not challenge it in court? Why go behind the scenes to ‘buy’ the witnesses?” the legal team added. “If one can bribe witnesses already before court, what would have stopped him from bribing voters in the constituency?”
Nambi’s team also asked the court to consider punitive action against Nalukoola’s legal representatives, warning that such conduct undermines the integrity of the judicial process.
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In response, Nalukoola’s lawyer Samuel Muyizzi denied the allegations, insisting the affidavits were lawfully obtained and that the court should investigate whether the witnesses were indeed coerced into giving initial testimony. He maintained that any witness has the right to withdraw or correct their statement if they do so voluntarily.
“Election petitions are investigative by nature. If someone wants to recant, that’s their right. What matters is whether it was done freely,” Nalukoola’s counsel said.
The court has adjourned the matter to May 5, when Nalukoola is expected to file his formal response to the bribery claims.
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