Court Reinstates Akamba Paul as NRM Flagbearer for Busiki County.

The High Court in Kampala has overturned the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Election Disputes Tribunal’s decision that had upheld Joel Azalwa Watswa as the party’s flag bearer for Busiki County.

Justice Collins Acellam has  ruled that the tribunal’s process was illegal, irrational, and violated principles of natural justice. 

The court found that the NRM District Registrar acted without authority when he nullified his earlier declaration of Akamba Paul as the winner of the Busiki County NRM primaries and instead announced Watswa as flagbearer a day later.

The court heard that Akamba had initially secured victory with 34,265 votes against Watswa’s 32,315. However, the following day, the same registrar issued a fresh declaration showing Watswa ahead, triggering a dispute that was later upheld by the party tribunal.

In his petition for judicial review, Akamba accused the tribunal of bias and procedural impropriety, arguing that it re-tallied votes from non-existent polling stations and did so without his participation.

The NRM, represented by its Director of Legal Services, Enoch Barata, opposed the application, insisting the tribunal acted within its constitutional mandate and that its decision was not subject to court review.

 Watswa also defended his victory, calling Akamba’s case a disguised election appeal.

However, Justice Acellam dismissed those arguments, ruling that the NRM tribunal, as a public organ, is subject to judicial supervisory.  He faulted the tribunal for conducting the re-tally in Akamba’s absence, saying it violated his right to a fair hearing.

The court consequently quashed the tribunal’s decision, reinstated Akamba as the duly elected NRM flagbearer for Busiki County, and ordered the party to issue him the flag ahead of the 2026 parliamentary elections.

Justice Acellam said his decision is fair, reasonable, and in the interest of justice.