Namutumba District, Uganda – The National Resistance Movement (NRM) primary election for Busiiki Constituency remains shrouded in uncertainty after the party Registrar failed to declare official results. In this unresolved climate, aspirant Julius Simbaline (also known as Hon. Kigenyi Julius) appeared before the NRM Electoral Tribunal on Tuesday, filing a formal petition alleging malpractice and demanding clarity.
The hotly contested race featured seven contenders: Hon. Kigenyi Julius (Simbaline), Hon. Joel Azarwa Waiswa, Hon. Akamba Paul, Hon. Shakira Moses, Hon. Basuita Ibrahim, Hon. Bakitwase Rodgers, and Hon. Karede. Despite the conclusion of the electoral process, no winner was officially announced by the NRM Registrar, leaving the nomination in limbo.
Speaking to journalists after presenting his petition, Simbaline framed his action as necessary due to the lack of a declared outcome. “The NRM tribunal will be neutral,” he stated, expressing hope that the body would resolve the impasse, “and the rightful candidate will be declared for Busiiki Constituency.”
Simbaline strongly emphasized the voters’ rights, declaring, “Power belongs to the people, and no one should alter how the voters voted.”This statement underscores his core allegation that the electorate’s true will was subverted, contributing to the Registrar’s failure to announce results.
Detailing his petition, Simbaline asserted, “I filed genuine complaints about electoral malpractice and vote rigging by other contenders.”He contends these irregularities were severe enough to prevent the Registrar from declaring a legitimate winner and necessitate tribunal intervention.
“I appeal to the NRM tribunal to come out with an independent ruling,” Simbaline concluded, stressing the urgent need for a transparent and impartial resolution to the stalled process.
The tribunal is now deliberating on Simbaline’s petition. Its ruling could:
1. Order a fresh verification of votes.
2. Nullify the primary and order a re-run.
3. Investigate specific malpractice claims.
4. Direct the Registrar to declare results based on specific findings.
5. Dismiss the petition and instruct the Registrar to proceed.
Key Points:
No Results Declared:The NRM Registrar failed to announce official results for the Busiiki primary.
Petition Filed:Aspirant Julius Simbaline petitioned the NRM Tribunal citing this failure and alleging malpractice/vote rigging.
Seven Contenders: Race involved Hon. Simbaline, Hon. Waiswa, Hon. Paul, Hon. Moses, Hon. Ibrahim, Hon. Rodgers, and Hon. Karede.
Core Demand:Simbaline seeks an independent tribunal ruling to ensure the “rightful candidate” is declared, respecting the voters’ will.
Allegations:Petition claims malpractice/rigging prevented a legitimate result declaration.
Next Step: Awaiting the NRM Electoral Tribunal’s ruling on the petition, which aims to break the deadlock and determine the party’s flag bearer for Busiiki Constituency.
