By David Mwanje
The National Resistance Movement (NRM) must hold a fresh election for its Western Uganda Older Persons Member of Parliament candidate after the party’s Election Disputes Tribunal overturned its earlier decision. On September 24, 2025, the tribunal, led by John Musiime and supported by Esau Isingoma and Nelson Kamuhanda, canceled the September 5 ruling that had named Jacqueline Mbabazi as the NRM flag bearer. The panel ordered the NRM Electoral Commission to organize a new primary election within 14 days, following strict party guidelines.
This decision reopens the race for the NRM’s Western Region Older Persons MP slot, which seemed decided earlier this month when the tribunal rejected a challenge from Patrick Kyamukate Mutabwire, Mbabazi’s main competitor. In the original August 26 primary, Mbabazi secured 215 votes, narrowly defeating Mutabwire’s 162, while five other candidates split 53 votes.
The new election sets the stage for a heated rematch between Mbabazi, wife of former Prime Minister John Patrick Amama Mbabazi, and Mutabwire, with party members expecting close attention due to the tight race and prominent candidates. Mbabazi had already started preparing for the general election, focusing on better healthcare, stronger property rights, and financial support for older persons through SACCOs. Now, she must return to campaigning to win back the NRM ticket.
Efforts to reach Mbabazi for a comment about the ruling were in vain. The tribunal’s decision allows candidates 7 days to appeal the ruling, which could further shape the contest.
With the NRM primaries back in motion, the Western Uganda Older Persons MP race is set for a dramatic and closely watched showdown.
