The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Electoral Tribunal is facing scrutiny following revelations that Agatha Nalubwama, a prominent political figure from Kayunga District, was summoned for a petition hearing she never initiated.
Nalubwama, who had declared her intention to contest as an independent candidate, has distanced herself from any petition challenging the NRM primary results that declared Jackline Birungi the winner.
According to Nalubwama, she had no intention of involving the Tribunal due to a lack of trust in its impartiality, and thus did not file any formal complaint.
Her team alleges that the petition was orchestrated by Moses Karangwa, the NRM Chairperson for Kayunga District, in collusion with NRM Electoral Commission Chairperson Dr. Tanga Odoi, in an attempt to validate Birungi’s contested victory.
Nalubwama maintains that she only submitted a report detailing election irregularities directly to Dr. Odoi not a petition and that the Tribunal was never her chosen course of redress.
“I surrendered my case to the public court, the people of Kayunga, who will decide in January 2026,” Nalubwama said during a press conference.
In a heartfelt address, Nalubwama referenced her late father and husband, both strong supporters of President Yoweri Museveni, and highlighted her years of grassroots mobilization across Kayunga District.
She expressed disappointment at the continued poverty among youth and the politicization of community struggles, emphasizing the role of her Kayunga Empya Development Association in fostering unity and development.
“It hurts me to see our youth living in poverty while being used to fight political wars,” she said. “But I’m encouraged by the support for our movement. The people of Kayunga are ready for change.”
Allegations of Electoral Malpractice
On July 24, 2024, Nalubwama submitted a comprehensive report to the NRM Electoral Commission detailing widespread irregularities in the July 17, 2025 party primaries. The report outlines:
- Use of photocopied and unauthenticated DR forms in all 13 sub-counties and town councils.
- Intimidation and bribery of voters and electoral agents.
- Involvement of underage and non-registered voters, including secondary school students.
- Voter stuffing and tampering with tally sheets.
- Use of UPDF soldiers to intimidate voters.
- Open bribery at polling stations, allegedly involving Chairman Karangwa himself.
- Replacement of electoral officials with partisan individuals.
- DR forms filled in identical handwriting, raising concerns of forgery.
Nalubwama also cited sectarian rhetoric used to influence voters, including claims that President Museveni endorsed Birungi based on tribal affiliation.
She had earlier written two letters to the NRM Electoral Commission:
- 30th June 2025: “Request to Intervene in the NRM Primaries of Kayunga District”
- 14th July 2025: “Petition Against Mr. Karangwa Kaliisa Moses for Disrupting the Electoral Process”
Both were reportedly received without acknowledgment or action.
Political Repercussions
Nalubwama warned that the continued internal manipulation could erode NRM’s support in Kayunga, citing a 20% voter turnout in the LC5 primaries as evidence of growing public apathy and disillusionment.
“People feel their votes no longer count. If this continues, NRM support could drop below 30% in Kayunga in 2026,” she warned.
She vowed to return as an independent candidate for Kayunga District Woman MP, confident of overwhelming support from the electorate.
“If I’m weak, why is Karangwa working so hard to eliminate me from the race?” Nalubwama questioned. “His schemes have failed, and the people are watching.”
The Bigger Picture
Nalubwama’s team confirmed that President Museveni has been briefed and is aware that she never filed a petition. They insist that attempts to tie her to the Tribunal are part of a larger scheme to legitimize a fraudulent process and sideline credible voices within the party.
As the 2026 elections approach, Nalubwama says she is focused on delivering over 70% of the district’s vote to President Museveni, while also championing a new era of leadership and community-driven development in Kayunga.
“The people know who their leader is. Come 2026, they will speak loud and clear,” she concluded.
