By Andrew VM Naimanye
Buyaga West Member of Parliament, Barnabas Tinkasimire, has expressed sharp criticism of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party’s recent primary elections, describing them as severely flawed and lacking basic electoral integrity.
Speaking during NBS Frontline on Thursday, Tinkasimire, a seasoned politician and former Electoral Commission returning officer, did not mince words about the credibility of the July 17 primaries.
“Before I joined politics, I was a returning officer. I know what it's like to organise a free and fair election,” Tinkasimire said. “The NRM primaries weren't even 20% free and fair.”
His comments come at a time when the NRM Election Disputes Tribunal is still in the process of delivering rulings on more than 380 petitions arising from the chaotic primaries. The internal elections were marred by reports of ballot stuffing, voter bribery, violence, and gross irregularities in multiple constituencies.
Tinkasimire revealed that although he had grounds to contest the outcome of the primaries, personal tragedy prevented him from filing a petition.
“Immediately after the party primaries, I lost my mother and I focussed on burying her. I didn't find time to lodge my petition even if I had grounds to petition,” he said.
The lawmaker, known for his outspokenness, also addressed speculation that he may retire from politics, insisting that he still has much to contribute.
“I find it not tenable to leave politics at 53 when some people at 86 are still going strong,” he said, seemingly taking a swipe at older political figures who remain active in leadership.
The NRM Electoral Commission and the party's top leadership have come under increasing pressure to clean up internal processes.
However, the party has maintained that the tribunal is operating independently and is committed to delivering justice, urging candidates and their supporters to uphold the outcomes of the Tribunal
As the NRM navigates internal turbulence in the lead-up to the 2026 general elections, voices like Tinkasimire’s signal a growing frustration among party loyalists over persistent electoral malpractice.