The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Elections Tribunal has confirmed Henry Musasizi as the official Party flag bearer for Rubanda East Constituency Member of Parliament ahead of the 2026 general elections, dismissing a petition by Jogo Kenneth Biryabarema who finished second in the July 17 primaries.
Biryabarema, who polled 18,832 votes, challenged the election outcome citing multiple irregularities including missing names on the voter register, bribery, voter intimidation, sectarianism, and manipulation of the electoral process. Musasizi was declared winner with 22,538 votes on July 18, 2025, by Rubanda District NRM Returning Officer Monday Aggrey.
During the hearings, Biryabarema was represented by lawyers Ssewaya Haruna, Tibamuteteke Yaziddi, and Niwahereza Susan, while Musasizi’s team comprised Twenda Elvis, Oruro Joshua, and Atuheire Ronald. The tribunal considered oral and written submissions from both parties before making its ruling.
In its analysis, the Tribunal identified seven key issues for determination, including whether the election was conducted in line with NRM guidelines, the validity of the voter register, allegations of bribery, voter intimidation, sectarian statements, and whether any irregularities substantially affected the outcome.
Citing precedents such as Amama Mbabazi v Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (2016) and Besigye v Museveni (2001), the Tribunal held that while Biryabarema raised “serious concerns,” he failed to provide sufficient evidence to substantiate his claims.
For instance, allegations of missing names from the voter register lacked proof through an alternative register, and claims of bribery were not directly linked to Musasizi or his accredited agents. Similarly, allegations of intimidation and sectarianism were dismissed as unproven.
On the broader question of whether the alleged irregularities substantially affected the results, the Tribunal ruled in the negative, emphasizing that Musasizi’s margin of victory remained unaffected.
The panel cited Mawiya v Sempijja (2011), where the court declined to annul results despite irregularities that did not alter the final outcome.
The ruling signed by Tribunal Chairperson, John Musiime and Members Lobalang Joseph, Isaac Okurut and Anthony Bazira upheld Musasizi’s victory.
