Politics
NRM Tribunal Nullifies Flag Bearer Elections in Four Constituencies, Orders Fresh Polls
The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Election Disputes Tribunal has annulled the victories of four parliamentary flag bearers and directed fresh elections in three constituencies, citing widespread irregularities and voter disenfranchisement.
In its latest rulings delivered on Sunday, the Tribunal, chaired by lawyer John Musiime, overturned the declaration of several candidates, including Ntungamo Municipality’s Yona Musinguzi, Buyende Woman MP candidate Namulondo Sarah, and Namayingo South’s flag bearer.
In Rwampara District, the Tribunal nullified the win of incumbent Woman MP Molly Asiimwe after confirming that she had falsified results. The Tribunal instead declared Anna Kansiime the rightful NRM flag bearer. Evidence presented showed that Kansiime polled 25,773 votes against Asiimwe’s 18,474, a margin of 7,299 votes.
For Ntungamo Municipality, the Tribunal annulled Musinguzi’s victory and ordered fresh elections in seven polling stations where no voting was conducted on July 17, 2025, thereby disenfranchising 9,966 voters. Petitioners had cited malpractice, including obstruction of voters and vote rigging. The fresh polls must be concluded within 21 days, after which a new flag bearer will be declared.
In Buyende District, petitioner Achom Robina Kaima successfully challenged the election of Namulondo Sarah. The Tribunal found irregularities including the use of exercise books in place of official Declaration of Results Forms and missing elections in 56 polling stations. Fresh polls will now be conducted in those areas.
Similarly, in Namayingo South, petitioners Ouma Willy and Barasa Moses argued that no elections were held in four villages, affecting 1,924 voters. Given that the margin of victory was just 301 votes, the Tribunal agreed that the disenfranchisement materially affected the outcome and ordered fresh elections.
Other decisions included:
- Dismissal of former Minister Esther Mbayo’s petition challenging Annet Nabirye’s win as Luuka Woman MP flag bearer.
- Upholding the victories of Minister Milly Babalanda (Budiope West), FUFA President and MP Engineer Moses Magogo (Budiope East), and Kibaaju Charity Kamuhanda, whose wins had been contested.
The rulings were issued by a panel of nine lawyers and certified by Chairperson John Musiime.
Several petitions remain pending, including those from Lwemiyaga Constituency, Rwampara East, Terego East, and Kampala Woman MP, while rulings on LC5 petitions are expected in the coming days.
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