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Jacqueline Mbabazi with her Husband Amama Mbabazi
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By Our Reporter
Kampala – The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Electoral Commission has set October 7, 2025 as the date for the by-election to choose its flagbearer for the Western Region Older Persons Member of Parliament seat.
In a circular signed by NRM Electoral Commission chairperson Dr. Tanga Odoi, the party directed all district and city election officers in Western Uganda to prepare for polling, which will be conducted at district level.
The by-election follows the nullification of Jacqueline Mbabazi’s victory in the August primaries by the NRM Election Disputes Tribunal.
Mbabazi had initially been declared winner with 215 votes, defeating her closest rival Patrick Kyamukate Mutabwire, who polled 162 votes, while other candidates shared 53 votes.
Mutabwire, however, petitioned the tribunal alleging massive irregularities, including over-voting and manipulation of the voters’ register.
The tribunal, chaired by John Musiime, initially upheld Mbabazi’s win but later reversed its decision after Mutabwire presented fresh certified evidence.
The new evidence revealed that although only 364 delegates were eligible to vote, the results declared 430 ballots cast, reflecting an excess of 66 votes.
Petitioner: Patrick Kyamukate Mutabwire
Investigations further uncovered duplicate names, substituted delegates, and even deceased individuals recorded as having voted.
On that basis, the tribunal annulled the earlier results and ordered a fresh election within 14 days, compelling the NRM Electoral Commission to set the new date.
The seat of Older Persons MP for Western Uganda is part of Uganda’s affirmative action framework, which ensures elderly citizens are represented in Parliament.
The NRM flagbearer elected on October 7 will carry the party’s ticket into the 2026 general elections.
Other candidates in the race include David Kabigumira, Mary Bashongoka Kamaduuka, Fidelis Guma Gumisiriza, Ann Muhindo Bakazimbaga, and Lawrence Bategeka Ntooto, who all contested in the earlier primaries.
The re-run is expected to attract renewed competition, with both Mbabazi and Mutabwire keen to test their strength again among the district-level delegates.
Torch Media Africa
