NRM Commits to Tribunal Ruling in Kikuube By-election

As the Kikuube District LCV by-election approaches on June 18, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) has publicly committed to abiding by the Electoral Commission Elections Tribunal’s ruling. This assurance comes amid a legal dispute challenging the nominations of the candidates, including the NRM’s endorsed contender, Paddy Kisembo.

Dr. Rosemary Sseninde, the NRM National Director for Mobilization, stated that the party will continue its campaign activities as scheduled unless officially directed otherwise by the Electoral Commission. She emphasized the importance of adhering to the law and expressed confidence in the tribunal’s process.

“We are continuing with the campaigns because the Electoral Commission has not stopped us and we have not been advised of any change in the election timetable,” Dr. Sseninde remarked to local NRM leaders. “On Wednesday, whatever will be resolved, we shall listen to it because we are law-abiding citizens.”

The legal challenge was initiated by Philip Mbabazi Burnet, who won the NRM primaries but was denied nomination. Mbabazi alleges irregularities in the nominations of both Kisembo and the National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate, Fenehansi Timanyire. The tribunal is expected to deliver its ruling next Wednesday, just days before the election.

Dr. Sseninde voiced optimism that the nominations would be upheld, citing that the Electoral Commission acted legally in declining Mbabazi’s nomination due to unfulfilled requirements. She urged NRM supporters to unite and focus on a grassroots campaign led by the Kikuube residents themselves.

NRM candidate Paddy Kisembo also expressed confidence that the tribunal petition would not derail his electoral bid, dismissing the raised issues as lacking substance. Meanwhile, Kikuube Resident District Commissioner Godwin Angalia cautioned against violence and voter bribery, assuring a strong security presence on election day.