The National Resistance Movement (NRM) elections tribunal has confirmed receipt of 381 petitions challenging parliamentary primary results from constituencies across Uganda, following the party’s recently concluded internal elections.
Tribunal chairperson John Musiime said the complaints, submitted from a wide range of regions, demonstrate both the competitive nature of the primaries and a growing engagement in the party’s internal democratic processes.
Click here to join our WhatsApp Group and Receive Daily News
“Our role is to fairly hear and resolve grievances that have emerged from the primaries, in accordance with the NRM Constitution, the 2025 Electoral Regulations, and Uganda’s legal framework,” Mr Musiime stated. He stressed the tribunal’s commitment to impartiality, transparency, and adherence to due process.
Broad Range of Complaints
The submitted petitions cite various irregularities, including claims of ballot stuffing, multiple voting, harassment of polling agents, participation of ineligible candidates, and procedural issues during vote counting and tallying.
Mr Musiime said the volume of petitions underscores the urgent need for greater internal accountability and continued reform of the party’s electoral processes.
Hearing Process and Timeline
To handle the caseload efficiently, the tribunal has been organised into eight panels, each comprising legal experts and experienced NRM cadres. Hearings are scheduled to begin on Tuesday, 29 July 2025.
Petitioners and respondents will be given equal opportunity to present evidence, and each case will be evaluated on its individual merits. The tribunal aims to complete all hearings and deliver rulings by 1 September 2025.
Under the 2025 petition guidelines, complainants are required to serve a copy of their petition to the respondent. The tribunal will also issue notifications through print and electronic media, as well as direct communication when contact information is available—an approach intended to avoid delays and ensure fairness.
Attendance and Security Measures
Only five representatives per party, including legal counsel, will be allowed to attend the hearings in person. While the number of in-person attendees is limited, parties can submit written statements from additional witnesses.
No parking will be provided at the venue, and parties are advised to arrive only during their designated session—morning or afternoon—as specified in their hearing notice.
Mr Musiime warned against any acts of intimidation or disruption, emphasizing that the tribunal would not tolerate interference with its proceedings.
“This process is a chance to resolve grievances lawfully and reinforce the party’s unity,” he said.
Leadership and Oversight
The tribunal was established following concerns over potential bias within the NRM Electoral Commission. On 17 July 2025, President Yoweri Museveni, who also serves as NRM party chairman, appointed Mr Musiime and 28 other lawyers to oversee the hearing of election disputes.
NRM’s Director of Legal Affairs, Enoch Barata, welcomed the tribunal as a vital mechanism for safeguarding transparency and accountability within the ruling party.
Also Read: TikToker Briton Kasule Arrested for Boasting About Illegal Power Connection
