As the NRM tribunal embarked on its work today, several defeated candidates in the recent party primaries continued lodging petitions with the party’s Electoral Commission.
Most cited irregularities such as voter bribery, alteration of election results, election violence, and insufficient electoral materials during the July 17, 2025, primaries across Uganda.
Among the petitioners were Beatrice Rwakimari (Ruhama Main, Ntungamo District), Nyawino Fiona Mary (Buliisa Woman MP), Nelson Otim Olwit (Abim District Chairperson), Kaala Kevina Oginga and Amoit Mariam (Woman MP, Pallisa District), Aine Liz Salawa, and Ali Ndawula Sekyanzi (Bamunanika MP).
Accompanied by their lawyers, the petitioners expressed their grievances, demanding justice and accountability.
“We have come to the NRM party Electoral Commission to raise our discontent with the irregularities that marred the recent primaries. We demand justice and accountability, as we all deserve to be treated fairly in the interest of the NRM party and our country, Uganda,” the petitioners stated.
Beatrice Rwakimari was represented by lawyer Jude Byamukama, while Wesiire Yona of Spencer Associated Advocates accompanied Masaba Mohammed, the NRM flagbearer for Bungokho Central in Mbale District, and Achola Catherine, the Woman MP flagbearer for Pallisa District.
Okalanga Law Chambers represented Namukose Monica, the NRM flagbearer for Jinja Woman MP. These legal representatives assisted their clients during the proceedings, presided over by Dr. Tanga Odoi, the Electoral Commission Chairperson.
The atmosphere remained calm, with no confrontations between candidates and the chairperson.
Light-hearted exchanges and jokes were shared under tight security provided by two policemen in black uniforms. Dr. Tanga Odoi, dressed in a white casual shirt, appeared fatigued but continued to manage the heavy workload.
The high table included Odoi and three registrars who assisted with preparing files and entering data, alongside another female commissioner.
The yellow tent hosting the petition hearings was divided into two sections: one managed by Odoi and the other by two party registrars. Petitions were reviewed district by district, with petitioners presenting their grievances in an orderly manner.
Nyawino Fiona Mary from Buliisa District, which comprises six sub-counties, town councils, and 131 polling stations, claimed she won 120 polling stations and secured 5,982 votes out of 18,000 voters.
She attributed her defeat to election violence, the arrest of her polling agents, presiding officers’ failure to sign Declaration of Results (DR) forms, and the arrest of her coordinators while collecting DR forms. She named Norah Bigirwa (the incumbent), Harriet Kusemererwa, and Nakiza Shalom in her petition.
Beatrice Rwakimari from Ruhama Main in Ntungamo District followed up on her petition, noting the failure to declare a party flagbearer. She expected justice from the commission, citing the absence of final election outcomes, with only provisional results available. Rwakimari accused the incumbent, Sinkulatire Henry, of election violence. She competed against Agnes Tushabe and lawyer Richard Barungi.
Nelson Otim Olwit, the district chairperson candidate for Abim District alleged voter bribery and result alterations by presiding officers. Despite securing 15,000 votes out of the 7,420 declared votes, Otim did not blame the district registrar, Ochem Boss.
He warned that failure to address their concerns could lead petitioners to run as independents, potentially splitting the NRM vote.
In a related development, Wembabazi, the NRM flagbearer for Woman MP in Hoima District, withdrew her petition against her running mates.
She expressed gratitude to her voters and pledged to promote teamwork in advancing the NRM manifesto, focusing on health, education, proper budgeting, and mechanized agriculture in the Bunyoro subregion.
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