The Electoral Commission (EC) has nullified the nomination of former legislator Mbwatekamwa Gaffa as a candidate for Mbarara City Mayor, citing failure to meet the residency requirements under Ugandan electoral laws.
In a formal communication addressed to M/s Mujurizi & Tumwesigye Advocates, the EC confirmed that the decision followed a complaint lodged on September 5, 2025, prompting an interpartes hearing and a review of all submissions regarding the legality of Mbwatekamwa’s nomination.
According to the letter signed by Justice Simon Byabakama Mugenyi, the EC Chairperson, the Commission established that Mbwatekamwa was originally a resident and registered voter of Gongo Village, Kyamuhunga Ward, Kyamuhunga Town Council, Igara County West in Bushenyi District.
However, during the update of the National Voters Register, Mbwatekamwa sought to transfer his polling station to Mbaguta Village/Zone, Ruharo Parish, Mbarara City, claiming residency there. This claim was later disputed by the Chairperson of Mbaguta Village, who maintained that Mbwatekamwa was not a resident of the area.
“The Commission interacted with Candidate Mbwatekamwa Gaffa during the hearing of the complaint, but he did not provide satisfactory evidence that he is a resident of Mbaguta Village/Zone in Ruharo Parish,” the EC noted.
The Commission concluded that Mbwatekamwa failed to prove he is ordinarily resident in Mbarara City/District, as required under Section 12(2)(b) of the Local Governments Act (Cap.138).
Based on these findings, the EC, in its meeting held on October 2, 2025, resolved under MIN. COMM 013/2025 that Mbwatekamwa was not eligible for nomination as Mbarara City Mayor, having failed to comply with Section 20(4) of the Electoral Commission Act (Cap.176) and Section 12(2)(b) of the Local Governments Act.
“As such, the decision of the Returning Officer, Mbarara City Electoral District, nominating Candidate Mbwatekamwa Gaffa is hereby reversed,” the letter concluded.
Reacting to the decision, Mbwatekamwa said he would not appeal the nullification, citing a lack of fairness in the Ugandan judicial system.
“I will not take any legal step because there is no justice in Ugandan courts,” he said, adding that he plans to repackage himself and return to politics after five years.
