Mbarara
The Electoral Commission (EC) has nullified the nomination of Igara West Member of Parliament, Hon. Gaffa Mbwatekamwa, who had expressed interest in contesting for Mbarara City Mayor, citing irregularities in his voter registration and residency status. In a letter dated October 23, 2025, addressed to Mujurizi & Tumwesigye Advocates, the EC explained that Mbwatekamwa was not eligible for nomination as Mbarara City Mayor because he failed to prove that he is an ordinary resident of Mbarara City or District, as required by law. According to the letter signed by Justice Simon Mugenyi Byabakama, the EC Chairperson, the Commission reached the decision after reviewing a complaint lodged on September 5, 2025, regarding Mbwatekamwa’s nomination.
“Candidate Hon. Mbwatekamwa Gaffa was formerly a resident and registered voter of Gongo Village, Kyamuhunga Ward, Kyamuhunga Town Council, Igara County West, Bushenyi District,” the letter reads in part.
The Commission noted that during the update of the National Voters Register, Mbwatekamwa presented evidence claiming he had relocated to Mbaguta Village/Zone in Ruharo Parish, Mbarara City, in order to transfer his polling station.
The EC Letter blocking Mbwatekamwa's nomination
However, the Chairperson of Mbaguta Village/Zone refuted the claim, stating that Mbwatekamwa was not a resident of the area and therefore ineligible to register as a voter there. When the Commission interacted with Mbwatekamwa during the hearing, he reportedly failed to provide satisfactory proof that he was indeed a resident of Mbaguta Village/Zone or that he ordinarily resides in Mbarara City.
As a result, the EC ruled that the legislator did not meet the legal requirements under Section 20(4) of the Electoral Commission Act (Cap. 176) and Section 12(2)(b) of the Local Governments Act (Cap. 138) for nomination as a mayoral candidate.
“Accordingly, the decision of the Returning Officer, Mbarara City Electoral District, nominating Candidate Mbwatekamwa Gaffa is hereby reversed,” the Commission concluded.
Following the decision, Mbwatekamwa posted a statement on his social media page — Friends of Mbwatekamwa — expressing gratitude to his supporters and accusing the EC of acting in bad faith.
“It is unfortunate that our journey has been disrupted by political malice and persecution. Under the disguise of the Electoral Commission, a plan was hatched to eliminate my candidacy,” he wrote.
“They deliberately released the disqualification verdict on the evening of October 23rd, after the closure of nominations for Members of Parliament — a calculated move to bar me from contesting for another office.”
“You can silence a voice, but you cannot silence an idea. Our dream for a better Mbarara remains alive. We shall rebuild and return stronger,” he added.
Mbwatekamwa said he would soon convene a consultative meeting with his supporters to discuss the way forward.
Torch Media Africa
