NRM tribunal: Ex-Aringa MP loses petition, vows to run on independent ticket

YUMBE - Former Aringa County Member of Parliament Ashraf Olega Noah says he will run on an independent ticket in the 2026 General Election following the dismissal of his petition filed at the NRM tribunal.

Olega had petitioned the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party tribunal, challenging the election of incumbent MP Siraji Ezama as the flag-bearer during the party primaries on July 17, 2025.

Olega polled 4,092 votes, while Ezama obtained 9,998 votes, citing among others, vote manipulation, involvement of NRM district chairperson in electoral process, voter disenfranchisement and sought cancellation of the results from the sub-counties of Bijo and Kululu.

Why he lost the petition

However, the tribunal panel headed by Diana Kasabiiti in a ruling dated August 6, dismissed the petition on the ground that the petitioner did not adduce substantial evidence and an affidavit.

It added that, Olega's entire petition is contained in a single letter that highlighted 12 complaints, none of which was backed by any evidence.

MP Siraji Ezama

Following the ruling, Olega expressed dissatisfaction with the ruling, saying he will consult his voters to determine the next step, most probably to contest as an independent candidate.

“Everyone knows that everything was a failure on the side of the NRM, they failed to organise democratic primaries and I am going to contest as an independent after talking to my people, the declaration forms delayed for over four hours, the voters number was more than double the actual number and intimidation were registered, what king of evidence do they need? I am going to consult and stand as an independent,” Olega said on August 7.

Ruling welcome

Meanwhile, Siraji Ezama welcomed the ruling, saying he was not surprised to win against the complaint once again, as he urged his opponents to join hands with him for the betterment of the constituency and entire district of Yumbe.

“I urge my supporters to remain calm because this was yet the first half of the election and I don’t want to comment on what step the opponent is going to take after the ruling but I know that 90 per cent of the people in Yumbe district are affiliated to NRM and I want them to turn up in large numbers in January [2026] to elect me who is the flag bearer”, Said Ezama