NRM tribunal starts hearing Kapelebyong petitions amid fraud allegations

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As the National Resistance Movement (NRM) elections disputes tribunal begins hearings into grievances from the recent parliamentary primaries, attention is focused on Kapelebyong district.

At 3:00 pm Tuesday, Francis Akorikin, the newly declared NRM flag bearer for Kapelebyong County, is expected to appear before the tribunal in Kampala to respond to a petition filed by Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Joseph Arocha, one of his closest challengers.

Akorikin was announced winner after polling 12,452 votes, defeating seven other contenders. Arocha came second with 6,277 votes, while Johnson Malinga followed with 4,156. The remaining candidates trailed behind, with incumbent MP Anthony Esenu finishing last with just 867 votes.

However, both Arocha and Esenu are now challenging the results.

Arocha alleges that Akorikin committed electoral malpractice, including ferrying voters from Napak district, inflating vote counts, duplicating results, and bribing voters. He also claims his agents were beaten and ejected from polling stations.

He wants Akorikin’s victory nullified and himself declared the rightful flag bearer.

Meanwhile, Anthony Esenu has also lodged a separate petition. He is demanding a fresh election, accusing the party's electoral commission of colluding in vote rigging. He claims that non-residents from Alebtong, Otuke and Napak were allowed to vote without verification against the NRM register. Esenu also cited vote-buying and intimidation of his agents.

Both petitions are scheduled for hearing: Esenu’s case will be heard today at 3:00pm, and Arocha’s on Thursday this week. Ahead of the hearings, Akorikin addressed the press.

He dismissed the allegations as fabricated, saying they are attempts to derail his voter engagement.



According to John Musiime, the tribunal chairperson, the eight-member panel, comprising senior legal professionals and party cadres, is handling over 380 petitions arising from the July 17 primaries.

He emphasised that most petitions allege vote rigging, violence, multiple voting, and the involvement of ineligible candidates.

The tribunal will sit daily and aims to conclude all hearings by September 1, 2025.

Parties have been urged to respect the tribunal’s procedures and adhere to all timelines.