By Diana Kintu.
The National Resistance Movement (NRM) party has announced plans to conclude all petitions arising from its recent parliamentary and local council primary elections within 35 days. John Musiime, chairperson of the NRM Elections Tribunal, revealed during a Saturday media briefing that the 29-member tribunal has been divided into eight specialised panels to handle the cases efficiently. Each panel, comprising three legal professionals, will hear a minimum of 56 petitions daily to address the 381 parliamentary aspirants’ complaints received as of Friday.
The tribunal will investigate allegations including vote rigging, multiple voting, electoral violence, candidate ineligibility, and procedural irregularities during voting and tallying. Respondents will be notified through mainstream media, electronic communication, and direct phone calls using nomination records. “Our mandate is to ensure fair, expeditious resolutions aligned with the NRM Constitution, 2025 Election Regulations, and national laws,” Musiime stated.
Hearings will follow a structured schedule-morning sessions for special matters and afternoons for pre-scheduled cases-with each party allowed five representatives, including lawyers, though written evidence from unlimited witnesses may be submitted.
Enoch Barata, NRM Director of Legal Affairs, clarified that criminal offences by members or registrars fall under the national justice system, not the tribunal.
NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong warned aspiring independent candidates against defying party decisions, urging them to resolve grievances internally.
The tribunal’s work begins this week amid tensions, as some losers threaten independent runs over alleged primary election malpractices.
Source: NRM Elections Tribunal Media Briefing