Kampala,Uganda– Tension gripped the National Resistance Movement (NRM) election tribunal premises at Plot 30 Kyadondo Road in Kampala when several contenders for the Kapelebyong District Woman Member of Parliament seat threatened to defect to the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) in protest against alleged election irregularities.
The dramatic development unfolded on 31st July 2025, shortly after the disputing parties appeared before the NRM election tribunal for a hearing regarding contested primary election results.
Florence Adupo, who finished second with 2,597 votes, called for the disqualification of Atuto Jacinta, the declared winner and incumbent flag bearer. Adupo argued that unless a fresh poll is conducted, justice will not be served for the people of Kapelebyong.
She accused Atuto’s camp of engaging in widespread electoral malpractice, including the distribution of cash and local gin (waragi) to voters in Obalanga, Achiyo, and Kapelebyong sub-counties—tactics she claimed significantly skewed the results.
The Chairperson of the Kapelebyong District NRM Women’s League, Anyait Bena, also expressed disappointment in NRM party officials, accusing them of failing to ensure a fair and transparent electoral process. She warned that such failures fuel public mistrust and unnecessary political tension.
Meanwhile, Tribunal Chairperson Enock Barata told the press that as of 31st July 2025, the tribunal had made significant progress in clearing its petition backlog and expected to complete the process by 4th August 2025. This would pave the way for the formal declaration of verdicts.
Barata revealed that out of the original 380 petitions, many were duplicates from the same constituencies, reducing the actual number under review to 240. He added that more than 12 petitioners had amicably resolved their disputes or opted to withdraw following mediation efforts. These included cases from Butaleja, Kyenjojo, Mwenge North, and Upe in the Karamoja sub-region.
He further noted that by 4th August, the tribunal would conclude all parliamentary election petitions, after which it would begin reviewing cases related to 178 district local governments. Verdicts, he said, would be communicated to petitioners and respondents via email, WhatsApp, or direct hand delivery.
