The Electoral Commission (EC) has disqualified Patrick Mutabwire Kyamukaate from contesting the Older Persons’ parliamentary seat in the Western Region after ruling that he failed to meet the minimum supporter requirements for nomination. The decision, communicated in a Nov 23, 2025, and signed by EC Chairperson Justice Byabakama Mugenyi Simon, followed a formal complaint questioning the authenticity and exclusivity of Mutabwire’s supporting signatures.
The complaint, filed on October 30th, 2025, by Tuhairwe Jackson through M/S Alaka and Company Advocates, stated that four of Mutabwire’s alleged supporters—Nsasira Hope, Boyana Benedicto, Muramagi Milton, and Kamuza Eldard Behangana—had already endorsed the nomination of Mbabazi Jacqueline, who was also contesting the same seat. Mutabwire maintained that two of the disputed supporters had not endorsed Mbabazi and claimed the signatures were collected by his coordinator, but he failed to provide sufficient evidence.
After reviewing submissions from both sides during meetings held on Nov 4, 10, and 23, 2025, the Commission confirmed that Mbabazi had been nominated on Oct 22 with ninety supporters, including the four contested names. Mutabwire submitted his nomination the following day with the same individuals listed. The EC ruled that a supporter cannot appear on the nomination papers of more than one candidate for the same seat.
Removing the four names left Mutabwire with only six valid supporters, falling short of the statutory minimum of ten under Section 28(1)(c) of the Parliamentary Elections Act. Consequently, his nomination was withdrawn, effectively removing him from the race. The legal battles between Mutabwire and Mbabazi have been ongoing. In September 2025, the NRM Election Disputes Tribunal nullified Mbabazi’s initial victory as the party flag bearer for the Older Persons MP seat, citing irregularities in vote tallying.
Following a review of new evidence, including certified voter registers, affidavits, and video footage, the Tribunal confirmed serious discrepancies but declined to declare Mutabwire the winner, ordering a fresh party election instead. In the repeat exercise, Mbabazi emerged victorious again, securing the party’s nomination for the January 2026 polls.
Mutabwire is not the only parliamentary candidate disqualified by Justice Byabakama ahead of the 2026 elections. Others include Elizabeth Kakwanzi, removed due to duplication of signatures for the Western Uganda Youth MP race; Rebecca Mercy from Nebbi District, disqualified over insufficient signatures and conflicting party memberships; and James Atwiine, popularly known as King James Nkizamagara, seeking to challenge State Minister for Animal Husbandry Bright Rwamirama in Isingiro.
King James Nkizamagara has since staged a protest at UNEB offices, insisting that his disqualification was in error. He claims that the index number relied upon by the Electoral Commission, presented by his opponent’s legal team, was incorrectly attributed to his name. With several high-profile candidates disqualified, the EC’s decisions have added further tension to the upcoming 2026 elections, highlighting the critical importance of strict adherence to nomination procedures.
