The legal team representing the Ndorwa East County Member of Parliament aspirant, Dr. James Akampumuza Rutanga has protested what they describe as acts of contempt of court and breach of the sub judice rule by his political rival, Protazio Begumisa, in the ongoing election petition before the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Electoral Commission Tribunal.
According to the petition of Protest issued out by the lawyers of Simon Tendo Kabenge Advocates, the petition, filed under reference PT 378/2025, Dr. James Akampumuza Rutanga vs Protazio Begumisa and NRM Electoral Commission, was fully argued on August 4, 2025, and is awaiting determination by the Tribunal.
However, they allege that Begumisa and his agents have since taken to social media platforms, particularly WhatsApp, to declare him the predetermined winner.
In their protest, the lawyers claim Begumisa has boasted of having control and influence over the Tribunal and mocked their client, branding him “an infirm individual” and a “state agent.”
They argue that these utterances not only prejudge the matter but also attempt to strong-arm and blackmail the Tribunal into ruling in Begumisa’s favor.
“This conduct amounts to extreme indiscipline, disrespect, and disobedience of the Tribunal. It is calculated to undermine the integrity of the judicial process and shake public confidence in the Tribunal’s independence,” the lawyers wrote.
They further noted that Begumisa’s alleged statements have fueled public perception that the Tribunal is compromised and makes decisions in favor of the highest bidder, an image they say gravely damages the credibility of the judicial body.
The lawyers have now invited the Tribunal to take disciplinary action against Begumisa, stressing that his utterances amount to contempt of court.
They argued that sanctions would serve as a deterrent and send a strong message that the Tribunal remains beyond reproach, while restoring public trust in the ongoing judicial process.
The Tribunal is yet to pronounce itself on the matter.
