By Eye Media Political Desk
KAMPALA – In a dramatic turn of events, the NRM Election Disputes Tribunal has handed a lifeline to embattled Minister of State for Housing, Hon. Princess Persis Namuganza, after nullifying the controversial declaration of Maganda Emmanuel Katooko as Bukono NRM flag bearer for Member of Parliament.
In a landmark ruling dated 19th August 2025, Tribunal Chairperson John Musiime and members Joseph Ogwang and Tendo Lubwama agreed with Namuganza that the primary was marred by grave irregularities, fraud and utter disregard of NRM electoral regulations.
“The tallying process did not conform to NRM Regulations, and the election was not conducted in accordance with the law,” the Tribunal thundered, faulting the process as fatally flawed.
TALLYING NEVER HAPPENED, RESULTS SMUGGLED FROM KAMPALA
The Tribunal castigated the Electoral Commission for issuing a fake Declaration of Results from Namutumba on 19th July 2025 yet tallying had been aborted amidst chaos during Woman MP tallying. Rather than conclude tallying in the presence of candidates, all election materials were whisked away under police escort to Kampala. Shockingly, Katooko was later announced winner with 32,226 votes against Namuganza’s 17,324 — votes purportedly conjured from thin air.
Citing affidavits from top security officers including AIGP Moses Kafeero, Brig Gen Richard Wakayinja and RDC Frederick Aggrey Bangu, the Tribunal agreed that tallying never resumed and that results were instead manufactured at NRM Secretariat, far away from the gazetted tally centre.
AGENTS CHASED, DR FORMS FORGED
Namuganza, represented by advocate Mr Pande Norman, proved that her agents were chased from polling stations in Kibaale Sub County and Kibaale Town Council. No voting took place but DR Forms were fraudulently filled. Despite attempts by the Katooko camp to parade DR forms, none of Namuganza’s agents endorsed them, rendering them useless. The Tribunal ruled that “the irregularities substantially affected the outcome” particularly in Kibaale, a stronghold of Namuganza.
TRIBUNAL ORDERS REPEAT POLL
In a move seen as vindication of Namuganza’s longstanding cries, the Tribunal ordered thus:
- Katooko’s declaration is set aside.
- A repeat election be conducted in Kibaale Sub County and Kibaale Town Council within 21 days.
- The final flag bearer shall depend on the lawful outcome of that fresh exercise.
A BIG WIN FOR NAMUGANZA
The ruling is a major boost for Namuganza’s quest to retain the Bukono seat for the ruling party. Analysts believe that with a transparent tally, she will easily trounce her rival in Kibaale — an area said to overwhelmingly support her.
Speaking shortly after the ruling, Namuganza hailed the Tribunal for standing on the side of truth, saying the decision “restores hope in internal party democracy” and sends a strong message to mafias who thought they could hijack the will of Bukono NRM members.
The ball now shifts back to the NRM EC to organise a credible repeat election within the given 21 days — one that the Princess has vowed to sweep with an “earthquake majority” once sanctioned.
