Kampala – The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Election Disputes Tribunal has concluded and released 46 rulings from the first batch of petitions arising out of the party’s recent parliamentary primary elections.
Speaking to the press on Wednesday at the tribunal headquarters, Chairperson John Musiime hailed the milestone as a significant step in resolving electoral grievances.
He noted that the tribunal officially began its hearings on July 29, 2025, and has since been working intensively to handle the high volume of cases.
Musiime emphasized that all decisions were grounded in the NRM Election Regulations 2025, national legal frameworks, and the principles of natural justice.
He clarified that while a list of resolved matters would be shared, the detailed rulings would first be sent to respective parties and their legal teams via email or collected in person at the tribunal registry.
“It would be improper to disclose winners or losers before affected individuals receive their official verdicts,” Musiime said, assuring journalists that statistical breakdowns on how many decisions confirmed or overturned election results would follow.
In a bid to promote inclusiveness, the tribunal adopted a flexible approach to proceedings, Musiime said.
Many petitioners, he revealed, lacked legal representation, prompting the tribunal to accept complaints in informal formats—including handwritten letters, video recordings, and even oral testimonies. “We prioritized content over format,” he added.
One of the most closely watched petitions involved seven candidates from Lyantonde District, led by Kabarongo Generous Namara, who contested the victory of Doreen Katushabe Birungi, citing alleged voter intimidation and military interference linked to her husband, General Birungi.
Over 40 petitioner-respondent pairings were read out, with Musiime reiterating the tribunal’s commitment to impartiality and fairness.
He also disclosed that some petitioners voluntarily withdrew their cases, a sign, he said, of intra-party reconciliation.
Others reportedly filed petitions not to challenge the declared winners, but to raise concerns about electoral irregularities.
While acknowledging the immense workload, with tribunal members reportedly working up to 15 hours daily, Musiime said the tribunal remains determined to conclude its duties within the set timelines.
In complex cases requiring deeper investigation, the tribunal may extend time but will notify parties in advance.
According to Musiime, decisions will generally be delivered within seven days of hearing a petition, unless exceptional circumstances demand more time.
In response to a question on how party structures interface with the tribunal’s work, Musiime clarified that while the NRM facilitated the tribunal’s formation, its rulings remain independent and legally binding.
Moving forward, the tribunal will shift focus to petitions from Local Council V (LC5) and Mayoral races, beginning this Saturday, which will be handled under a different framework.
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