Dead voters nullify Jacqueline Mbabazi’s NRM flag-bearer win
The National Resistance Movement (NRM) election disputes tribunal on September 24, 2025, said the decision to set aside her election as flag-bearer was arrived at after a review of its September 5, decision not to overturn the election results of the primaries under Petition no. PT-CEC-001 of 2025.
Jacqueline Mbabazi is the wife of former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi, who is also a former presidential candidate. (File photo)
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Jacqueline Mbabazi's candidature as the Movement (NRM) party flag-bearer for the Member of Parliament seat representing older persons in western Uganda has been declared null and void.
The National Resistance Movement (NRM) election disputes tribunal on September 24, 2025, said the decision to set aside her election as flag-bearer was arrived at after a review of its September 5, decision not to overturn the election results of the primaries under Petition no. PT-CEC-001 of 2025.
The move follows a petition filed by Patrick Kyamukate Mutabwire to the tribunal arising from the party primaries on August 26, 2025, at Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala. Mutabwire alleged that the elections were marred by several irregularities, including the addition of fictitious votes.
Mutabwire, who is also the founder of Western Uganda Older Persons Association, also accused the party's electoral commission chairperson, Dr Tanga Odoi, of manipulating the vote count in favour of Mbabazi.
The above reasons, however, had initially not been sufficient to cause the tribunal to overturn Mbabazi's election to carry the flag.
Jacqueline Mbabazi is the wife of former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi, who is also a former presidential candidate.
However, following a review of new evidence, the tribunal cites several anomalies for its decision to rescind the earlier ruling.
These include:
- Twenty-eight duplicate entries in the voters register. the following voters appeared more than once: Mbabazi Paul, Kakurugusi Miriam, Kabahenda Mary, Kanyamatonwa Stephen, Balisanga Tadeo, Nyaruhuma Francis, Rwabukare William, Tumuhairwe Frank, Kataha Henry, Kagimba Wilberforce, Mbahamire Tofayo, Baregire Jovah, Mutyaba Queen, Okot Bonny, Kaahwa Francis, Yusuf Nyamayarwo, Kabakiraho Jenina, Baribumpe Godfrey, Turyahikayo Warren, Mwesigye Will, Bakesiga Penelope, Ntacyotugira Philp, Musabyimana Erastus Charles, Kabanyaka Rose, Ngasinwa Timondi Justus, and Busingye Peninah.
- Five illegal replacements, notably in Hoima City and its Divisions, including Mary Ruberantware replaced by Nyangabyaki Hafsa, Nangela Olive replaced by Businge Justine, Baguma David replaced by Rukajaha Francis, Bategeka Lawrence Ntooko replaced by Tibahwerwa Gabriel, and Mukonyozi Aisha replaced by Bagamba John.
- Three dead people: Bigira David, Okurut Mary, and Kaddu Mukasa Gladdys were on the register and were recorded as having participated.
The above reasons, among others, the tribunal says, are scientific and verifiable facts which no amount of denial or argument could alter.
As a result of these findings, the tribunal has ordered the NRM electoral commission to conduct a fresh election for the position in strict compliance with the party's constitution, regulations and guidelines, within 14 days of the ruling.
Bulk of petitions thrown out
After weeks of tension and allegations of electoral malpractice, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) elections tribunal in August threw out the bulk of petitions arising from July's fiercely contested parliamentary primaries.
An official from the tribunal told New Vision Online that most of the petitions collapsed under the weight of insufficient evidence, poor documentation or legal technicalities. This left many aspiring flag-bearers aggrieved, and several of them vowed to stand as independent candidates.