The National Resistance Movemend (NRM) election disputes tribunal has dismissed a petition challenging the election of Catherine Lamwaka as the party’s flag bearer for Woman Member of Parlament, Omoro District, following the July 17, 2025 primaries.
The petition, which was filed by Betty Laika Shereed, seeking the nullification of the results, citing alleged voter intimidation and violence, alteration of declaration forms, bribery, and changes of registrars.
Lamwaka was declared winner with 16,006 votes against Laika’s 15,040.
Representing herself, the petitioner argued that the electoral process was marred by irregularities that substantially affected the outcome in favour of the respondent. She relied on her averments and a self-made tally sheet to back her claims.
Through her lawyer, Mr. Walter Okidi, Lamwaka denied all allegations, insisting the claims were not substantial and unsupported by credible evidence. she urged the tribunal to dismiss the petition and uphold her victory.
In its ruling, the tribunal noted that while concerns were raised, there was insufficient proof to show the election was conducted in violation of NRM election regulations in a way that rendered the process unfair.
On the allegation of intimidation and violence, the tribunal found no credible evidence linking Lamwaka or her associates to such acts.
A letter from the Omoro District Resident District Commissioner’s office indicated the respondent’s husband was not in the district during the polls and that the elections were peaceful.
The tribunal described the petitioner’s claims as isolated incidents that failed the test of substantial effect on results.
Regarding voter bribery, the tribunal emphasized that for the offence to be proved, it must be shown to have occurred, to have been intended to influence voters, and to have been carried out by the candidate or with their knowledge.
The petitioner’s video evidence, allegedly showing the respondent’s husband bribing voters, was dismissed as inconclusive, with the tribunal noting it depicted mobilisation activities.
The tribunal concluded that the petitioner had not discharged the burden of proof on a balance of probabilities and therefore dismissed the petition.
Lamwaka’s election as the NRM flag bearer for Omoro District Woman MP was upheld
According to the resultant orders in the letter issued by the NRM election disputes Tribunal chairman, John Musime, the tribunal dismissed the petition.