Tensions erupted in Mbale City during the NRM LC1 elections in Mission Cell, Namakwekwe Ward, after a popular aspirant, Beatrice Nabilumbi, was blocked from contesting due to her name missing from the party register—a development that left her rival declared unopposed.
Nabilumbi, a well-known grassroots mobiliser, was turned away on voting day when her name failed to appear in the NRM’s official register, commonly referred to as the "yellow book."
According to party guidelines, only individuals listed in this register are eligible to vote or run for office in internal elections.
“I was shocked to find my name missing,” a visibly frustrated Nabilumbi said. “I had mobilised my supporters, only to be told I can’t vote or stand.”
Clutching a receipt she claims confirmed her nomination, Nabilumbi accused the NRM village registrar of deliberately removing her name from the roll to block her candidacy.
Her supporters echoed the allegation, demanding explanations from local party officials.
However, the village registrar denied any wrongdoing, saying the register was compiled according to standard procedures and accusing Nabilumbi of failing to turn up during the registration and verification phases.
“She neither showed up during registration nor verification—now she claims I removed her from the register, which is not true,” the registrar said.
Despite the incident, most NRM village-level elections across Mbale City proceeded peacefully, with party officials describing the turnout as encouraging.
Authorities have since advised aggrieved candidates like Nabilumbi to lodge formal complaints through established party channels for redress.