Tumukunde Secures National Resistance Movement (NRM) Flag for Rukungiri as Tribunal Dismisses Election Petition
The National Resistance Movement’s Election Disputes Tribunal has ended weeks of political wrangling in Rukungiri Municipality by affirming Lieutenant General (Retired) Henry Tumukunde as the party’s flag bearer, dismissing a petition challenging his decisive win in the July 17 primaries.
The petition was filed by Isaac Atukunda, who came third with 1,646 votes behind incumbent Member of Parliament Elisa, who had 2,826 votes, and Tumukunde with 4,542 votes.
Atukunda alleged that Tumukunde’s nomination was illegal, citing claims about irregular party membership, bribery, intimidation, violence, and involvement of ineligible voters. Central to the challenge was the assertion that Tumukunde forfeited his National Resistance Movement membership when he contested the 2021 presidential election as an independent candidate. Additionally, Atukunda questioned Tumukunde’s residency in the municipality and claimed irregularities in the primaries.
In his defense, Tumukunde refuted these allegations, stating that his nomination followed all party procedures and that no objections were raised at the time of primaries. His defense further clarified that contesting as an independent in 2021 did not amount to resignation or expulsion from the party, and he remained a registered voter in Rukungiri Municipality.
The Tribunal ruled in favor of Tumukunde, finding no evidence that he had been formally removed from the party. The ruling emphasized that the National Resistance Movement constitution requires due process for expulsion, which was not followed. The panel also referred to the party’s 2025 membership rules, noting no breaches.
Regarding residency, the Tribunal confirmed that neither national electoral law nor National Resistance Movement primary rules require a parliamentary candidate to reside in the constituency they wish to represent.
Allegations of malpractice were dismissed due to lack of specific evidence. The Tribunal noted the margin of victory was over 3,000 votes, which would not be overturned by minor irregularities.
With all claims rejected, the Tribunal confirmed Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Henry Tumukunde as the duly elected National Resistance Movement flag bearer for Rukungiri Municipality, concluding the dispute.
The decision was signed by Tribunal Chairperson John Musiime and members Stanley Kangye, Blair Afwebembeire, and Elton Mugabi.
