NRM Election Disputes Tribunal Receives 381 Petitions, Hearings to Commence on July 29
The Tribunal, chaired by Mr. John Musiime, has been tasked with the critical responsibility of resolving electoral grievances in a fair, transparent, and timely manner in accordance with the NRM Constitution, the NRM Election Regulations 2025, and the laws of Uganda. In a statement issued on July 25, 2025, from the Tribunal headquarters at Plot 30, Kyadondo Road, Mr. Musiime revealed that a total of 381 petitions have been received from across the country. These petitions highlight a broad range of electoral concerns and irregularities during the primaries.
The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Elections Disputes Tribunal has formally launched its operations following the recently concluded party primaries for parliamentary flag bearers. The Tribunal, chaired by Mr. John Musiime, has been tasked with the critical responsibility of resolving electoral grievances in a fair, transparent, and timely manner in accordance with the NRM Constitution, the NRM Election Regulations 2025, and the laws of Uganda.
In a statement issued on July 25, 2025, from the Tribunal headquarters at Plot 30, Kyadondo Road, Mr. Musiime revealed that a total of 381 petitions have been received from across the country. These petitions highlight a broad range of electoral concerns and irregularities during the primaries.
Nature of the Petitions
The petitions, lodged by aggrieved party members, cover several categories of electoral malpractice and procedural anomalies, including:
Allegations of vote rigging Incidents of multiple voting
Violence and obstruction of polling agents Participation of ineligible candidates
Irregularities in voting and tallying procedures
According to Mr. Musiime, each petition must also be served by the petitioner to the respondent, in line with the Guidelines on the Filing and Handling of Election Petitions (2025), issued by the Director of Legal Services. To bolster transparency and accountability, the Tribunal is additionally taking proactive steps to notify respondents via mainstream media, electronic communication, and direct telephone calls using nomination-provided contact information.
In a bid to manage the growing workload effectively, the Tribunal has been organized into eight panels. These panels comprise experienced legal professionals and trusted cadres of the NRM, selected based on their integrity, legal acumen, and commitment to upholding the party's core values.
Tribunal hearings will officially commence on Monday, 29th July 2025, at 9:00 AM. The Tribunal is aiming to complete all hearings and deliver final rulings by 1st September 2025.
Mr. Musiime underscored the Tribunal’s unwavering commitment to fairness, competence, and transparency, assuring all parties—petitioners, respondents, and the wider public—that every case will be adjudicated strictly based on the law and evidence presented.
“Every party will be afforded a fair opportunity to be heard. The Tribunal’s integrity is anchored in impartiality and respect for the rule of law,” Musiime emphasized.
Protocols and Logistics
For efficiency and to avoid congestion, the Tribunal has instituted clear logistical arrangements:
No parking will be available at the venue (Plot 30), and parties are advised to make alternative transport arrangements.
Each party will be allowed to attend with a maximum of five persons, including their legal counsel.
However, there is no limit to the number of witness affidavits a party can submit in writing. Hearing notices will specify morning and afternoon sessions, and parties are advised to appear only during their allocated time slots.
Chairperson Musiime made a passionate appeal to all candidates and their supporters to conduct themselves with decorum and restraint during the adjudication period.
“We appeal to all candidates and their supporters to exercise restraint, remain respectful of the Tribunal’s processes, and most importantly, uphold the unity and cohesion of our great party,” he said.
He also extended gratitude to the Directorate of Legal Affairs, support staff, and all members of the Tribunal for their hard work and dedication in handling what is a challenging yet essential internal democratic process.
The establishment and operation of the Tribunal underscore the NRM’s commitment to resolving internal disputes through structured, principled, and evidence-based mechanisms. The Party hopes that by strengthening its internal democratic institutions, it will foster unity and build public confidence in its electoral systems.
Regular updates and press briefings will be issued throughout the hearing period to keep the public and party stakeholders informed.
