The National Resistance Movement (NRM) election disputes tribunal has begun hearings on petitions arising from last week’s Delegates’ Conference, which elected new leaders for the party’s Special Organs and the Central Executive Committee (CEC), the party’s highest decision-making body.
At least 10 petitions have been lodged, challenging results from the Youth League, Women’s League, the Older Persons’ MP seat for Western Uganda, and other party positions.
On Tuesday, the tribunal heard two cases where complainants alleged malpractice, bribery, and electoral irregularities.
One petition targets Jacqueline Mbabazi, declared winner of the Older Persons’ MP seat for Western Uganda.
Her challenger, Patrick Mutabwire, accused the party’s Electoral Commission, chaired by Tanga Odoi, of manipulating results, inflating voter numbers, and allowing non-delegates to vote. Mutabwire has demanded fresh elections.
Mbabazi, accompanied by her husband and former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi, rejected the allegations, insisting her victory was legitimate.
The couple dismissed the challenger’s evidence as fabricated, with Amama Mbabazi strongly defending her win.
The Youth League election is also under scrutiny. Petitioner Brenda Kiconco alleges that Collins Tanga, son of Tanga Odoi, was unfairly credited with an extra 400 votes.
Kiconco claims the tally was manipulated, undermining the integrity of the process.
Another petitioner, Macquline, accused the electoral body of disqualifying her without notification and subsequently announcing her exclusion, which she says breached due process.
Collins Tanga defended his win, stating that being Odoi’s son is not a crime and that he secured victory by mobilizing his own supporters.
The tribunal has given all petitioners five days to conclude their submissions before rulings are made.