A fluke, NUP says as it disowns Bukoto Central parliamentary aspirant
“Kivumbi is not the right candidate. We have written to the EC to rectify this matter. The genuine candidate, Ntamu, must be cleared to campaign,” said Rubongoya.
NUP secretary general David Lewis Rubongoya insists that Alex Ntamu Karinzi (pictured) is the legitimate flag-bearer. (Photos by Dismus Buregyeya)
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The National Unity Platform (NUP) has disavowed Jamil Kivumbi, its purported parliamentary candidate for Bukoto Central in Masaka district, branding him a “fluke” and accusing him of forgery to secure the party’s endorsement.
NUP secretary general David Lewis Rubongoya insists that Alex Ntamu Karinzi is the legitimate flag-bearer.
Rubongoya accused Kivumbi of colluding with the Electoral Commission (EC) to bypass internal party processes.
“Kivumbi is not the right candidate. We have written to the EC to rectify this matter. The genuine candidate, Ntamu, must be cleared to campaign,” he said.
EC regional returning officer Harriet Kashangire clarified that the dispute was being handled by a tribunal.
She denied claims of EC complicity, stating, “Any aggrieved party can petition the court. The EC only processes nominations as submitted.”
Kivumbi had presented his nomination forms on October 22, backed by documents allegedly endorsed by Rubongoya. Kashangire noted, “He came with properly signed forms. The confusion is an internal NUP issue.”
Bukoto Central NUP flag-bearer, Jamil Kivumbi.
Ntamu, however, alleged systemic sidelining. “I submitted valid documents to prove I was the genuine candidate, but the EC rejected me in favour of Kivumbi. Some NUP leaders in Masaka conspired with EC officials to block me,” he told New Vision Online.
Police investigation
Southern regional Police spokesperson Twaha Kasirye confirmed an investigation into the allegations. Meanwhile, Kivumbi has appealed to party president Robert Kyagulanyi for intervention, claiming he was selected by a mobilisation team that endorsed him over Ntamu.
The Bukoto Central race includes incumbent MP Eng. Richard Ssebamala (DP), former district chairperson Andrew Batemyetto (DF), and independents like Counsel Majeran Kazibwe and George Talemwa. NRM’s Godfrey Sseremba is also in the fray.
Rubongoya vowed to pursue legal action against those involved, writing to the CID director for an investigation. He criticised EC for failing to consult party leadership before accepting dual nominations.