The NRM election disputes tribunal has overturned its own earlier decision, stripping Jacqueline Mbabazi of her position as the party’s flag bearer for the MP seat representing older persons in the Western Region. The ruling, issued on Wednesday, orders a fresh election within 14 days and marks a dramatic twist in the primaries that had seemed settled just weeks ago.
In a two-page order dated 24 September, the tribunal reviewed and set aside its 5 September 5 ruling which had upheld Jacqueline’s victory. It declared Mbabazi’s victory “nullified” and directed the NRM Electoral Commission to hold a new poll in line with party rules.
The decision was signed by tribunal chairperson John Musime and members Esau Isingoma and Nelson Kamuhanda.
Mbabazi, 71, had emerged as the winner of the NRM primaries at the party delegates conference in a closely watched contest. As the wife of former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi, her bid was seen by many as a sign of the family’s tentative return to the ruling party’s fold.
Mbabazi, who served as prime minister from 2011 to 2014, had been sidelined after challenging Museveni for the presidency in 2016, but Jacqueline’s run was hailed as a “symbolic” step back into NRM leadership.
A petition filed by one of the losing candidates cited irregularities in the voting process, leading to the 5 September hearing where the tribunal dismissed the claims and upheld her flag bearer status. Mbabazi even thanked supporters publicly, calling the outcome a victory for “respectful primaries.”
But the fresh review, details of which were not immediately clear, reversed that, leaving her sidelined just days before the general election push.
