NRM Tribunal Begins Hearings on 14 CEC Election Petitions

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Election Disputes Tribunal, today, Wednesday, begins hearings for the final 14 petitions arising from recent internal elections, mainly over positions on the Central Executive Committee (CEC) and the National Executive Council (NEC).

This marks the last phase of the Tribunal’s work, which started on July 29. In a statement, Tribunal Chairperson John Musiime revealed that the panel has so far delivered written rulings in 813 petitions — 431 related to parliamentary races, 193 to Local Council V, and 189 to Local Council III elections.

Musiime reiterated the Tribunal’s commitment to concluding the remaining cases in accordance with the NRM Election Regulations. He also commended tribunal members, registry staff, and support teams for their work, and extended congratulations to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on his unopposed endorsement as NRM National Chairperson and Presidential Flagbearer for the 2026 General Elections.

Among the petitions set for hearing is one filed by NRM youth leaders challenging the election of Collins Tanga as National Youth League Chairperson. Collins, son of NRM Electoral Commission Chairperson Dr. Tanga Odoi, is accused of benefitting from electoral malpractice. Petitioners Otto Wilson, Mackline Natukwasa, and Brenda Kiconco allege result manipulation and voter fraud. Kiconco claims she led with 1,355 votes compared to Collins’ 1,167, only for final results to declare him the winner with 1,567 votes.

Natukwasa further alleges that her name was unlawfully removed from the list of contestants by Dr. Odoi. Collins has denied the allegations, insisting the election was free and fair. The dispute sparked protests during last week’s NRM delegates’ conference, with some youth demanding cancellation of his victory. President Museveni, however, urged calm, reminding them that only the Tribunal has the authority to reverse results.

Also before the Tribunal is a petition by Patrick Kyamukate Mutabwire contesting the victory of Jacqueline Mbabazi, wife of former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi, as NRM flagbearer for the MP representing older persons in Western Uganda. The Tribunal on Tuesday heard preliminary submissions in this case and directed the parties to return after five days.

Other cases include a petition by Gabriel Kato challenging the election of Eunice Ndyamuhaki as representative of People with Disabilities in Western Uganda, and one against Adrine Kobusingye, who replaced Lydia Wanyoto as Chairperson of the NRM Women’s League. Kobusingye’s victory is being contested by Sarah Lanyero Ochieng and three others on grounds of non-compliance with party laws.

Several additional petitions, mainly from the Elderly League, are also scheduled within the two days allocated for hearings. Meanwhile, there has been a heavy security deployment at the Tribunal ahead of the hearings. Police, including personnel from the Field Force Unit, have camped around the premises, patrolling both inside and outside to prevent anticipated protests, particularly from youths whose case is scheduled for a hearing this afternoon at 2:30 PM.