NRM Tribunal Cancels Jacqueline Mbabazi’s Flag Bearer Victory for Western Uganda Older Persons Seat
The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Electoral Disputes Tribunal has cancelled the victory of Jacqueline Mbabazi as the party’s flag bearer for the Western Uganda Older Persons Parliamentary seat.
Mbabazi, wife to former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi, had earlier been declared winner in the NRM primaries for the seat. However, her rival, Patrick Kyamukate Mutabwire, petitioned the tribunal alleging massive irregularities, including over-voting, duplicate entries, and participation of ineligible delegates.
After reviewing the evidence, the tribunal found merit in the petition and nullified Mbabazi’s win, ordering a fresh election within 14 days.
“The tribunal established that the election was marred by serious irregularities which undermined the credibility of the process. To ensure fairness and transparency, we direct that a re-poll be conducted,” the ruling stated.
This decision throws the contest wide open once again, with both Mbabazi and Mutabwire expected to face off in the fresh vote. The outcome will determine who carries the NRM flag into the 2026 general elections for the Western Region Older Persons Parliamentary seat, currently occupied by Joram Ruranga Tibasiimwa.
The development marks a dramatic twist in Mbabazi’s political journey, as she had received high-profile backing during her campaign. It also highlights ongoing tensions within the ruling party over internal democracy and the credibility of primary elections.
