The NRM Registrar’s Office in Rukiga District has nullified the election of Zacharia Aharizira as Youth Chairperson for Mparo Town Council, citing his ineligibility due to his status as a civil servant.
Zacharia secured victory over his opponent, Christmas Jones Tumuramye, in the May 16, 2025 elections by a narrow margin of 8 votes to 6. The election was presided over by the Mparo Town Council NRM Registrar, Charity Natukunda.
However, following a petition by Tumuramye, the office of the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) and the Rukiga District NRM Registrar launched an inquiry.
The petition alleged that Zacharia, who serves as a Principal Town Agent in Kabale Municipality, failed to resign from his government position prior to contesting an act that contravenes Ugandan electoral laws.
Speaking to our reporer, Rukiga District NRM Registrar Yaryakumanyi Selubowa Twaha confirmed the nullification of Zacharia’s election after verifying his employment status as a public servant.
Tumuramye welcomed the decision, stating that Zacharia knowingly violated legal restrictions governing civil servants’ participation in partisan politics.
“We were aware of his employment with Kabale Municipal Council, but he denied it and convinced the registrar to allow him to contest as NRM Youth Chairperson,” Tumuramye said.
CUE IN TUMURAMYE 1…ON ELECTION…RR//
He further urged the NRM Electoral Commission to strengthen its vetting process to ensure that only eligible candidates are cleared to participate in future elections.
CUE IN TUMURAMYE 2…ON ELECTION…RR//
In a related development, concerns have been raised over Amos Ainomugisha, the newly elected NRM Secretary for Finance for Mparo Town Council. Sources indicate that Ainomugisha, a resident of Kibale Village in Sindi Ward, is currently employed as a porter at Mparo Health Centre IV under the Rukiga District Local Government.
Despite being cautioned earlier by the RDC, Zadock Kamusiime, against engaging in partisan politics, Ainomugisha reportedly proceeded to contest.
His election also took place during the May 16, 2025, polls. While an official decision regarding his case is yet to be made, his employment status has been confirmed.
When contacted for a comment, RDC Kamusiime declined to speak on the matter.
According to Ugandan law, civil servants are prohibited from engaging in partisan political activities to uphold neutrality and integrity in public service.
The Political Parties and Organizations Act (2005), Section 15, bars public officers from founding, promoting, or being members of political parties. Violations may attract penalties including fines or imprisonment.
