TOP STORY | NRM Tribunal Dismisses Petitions from Three Ministers, Confirms 2026 Flag Bearers
Kampala, Uganda – August 14, 2025
In a decisive move ahead of the 2026 general elections, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Election Disputes Tribunal has dismissed petitions filed by three incumbent ministers, effectively ending their challenges to the party’s parliamentary primary results and confirming their opponents as official NRM flag bearers.
The ministers—Dr. Fredrick Ngobi Gume (State Minister for Cooperatives), Dr. Joyce Moriku Kaducu (State Minister for Primary Health Care), and Victoria Businge Rusoke (State Minister for Local Government)—had contested the outcomes of their respective primary races, citing irregularities and eligibility concerns. But in separate rulings, the tribunal found no sufficient grounds to overturn the results.
Gume vs. Kasajja – Margin of Victory Stands
In the hotly contested Bulamogi North West Constituency, Dr. Gume accused rival George Patrick Kasajja of inflating voter registers and using pre-signed declaration forms. While the tribunal acknowledged the existence of 3,250 questionable votes added to Kasajja’s tally and 410 improperly deducted from Gume’s, it ruled that the net difference of 1,861 votes was not significant enough to alter the final result.
The panel, chaired by Elton Mugabi, dismissed the petition and confirmed Kasajja as the NRM flag bearer.
Rusoke vs. Kirungi – Eligibility Challenge Fails
In Kabalore District, Minister Rusoke challenged the eligibility of Pamela Kirungi, alleging that she remained a public servant beyond the Electoral Commission’s resignation deadline. Kirungi defended herself by presenting documentation showing her official retirement date was amended to May 31, 2025, and that she had handed over her office in time.
Despite acknowledging that she had received her June salary, the tribunal accepted her explanation that it was a payroll administrative error she had already addressed. The panel, led by Paul Rutisya, upheld Kirungi’s victory.
Kaducu vs. Official Results – Allegations Dismissed
In Moyo District, Dr. Kaducu alleged incidents of voter intimidation, bribery, and result manipulation. However, the tribunal ruled that only the official results declared on July 17, 2025, held legal authority, and that conflicting versions lacked credibility. The panel, chaired by John Musiime, found no systematic or substantial irregularities that could justify nullifying the outcome.
Tribunal Clears Over 150 Petitions
These decisions form part of the third batch of rulings from the NRM tribunal, which has now resolved over 150 primary election disputes. According to NRM legal director Enoch Barata, the remaining parliamentary petitions are expected to be concluded by the end of the week.
The tribunal is now shifting its focus to unresolved Local Government election petitions, as the ruling party moves to finalize its list of flag bearers ahead of the 2026 national polls.
The dismissals mark a significant step in solidifying NRM’s internal election outcomes, setting the stage for what is expected to be a fiercely contested national election season.
