The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Election Disputes Tribunal has dismissed a petition filed by Theodore Ssekikubo, the Lwemiyaga County MP, and Joy Kabatsi Kafura, upholding Brig. Gen. (Rtd) Emmanuel Rwashande as the duly elected NRM flag bearer for Lwemiyaga Constituency, Sembabule District.
The tribunal, chaired by John Musiime, ruled on Monday that the petitioners failed to provide sufficient evidence to prove claims of rigging, violence, and irregularities in the party’s July 17th primaries.
According to official results, Brig. Gen. Rwashande secured 16,356 votes (54.3%), followed by Ssekikubo with 8,702 votes (28.92%). Kabatsi polled 473 votes (1.59%), while Edmond Bwiire and Jacob Kato garnered 960 votes (3.19%) and 11 votes (0.05%) respectively.
Dismissing the petition, the tribunal noted contradictions in Ssekikubo’s submissions, particularly his simultaneous claim that the election was marred by pervasive irregularities yet still sought to be declared its winner.
“We are not satisfied that the petitioners have proved their allegations to the required standard. Noting that there is no such thing as a perfect election, the Tribunal finds and holds that even the instances of election irregularities proved did not affect the result in a substantial matter,” the ruling stated.
The tribunal further stressed that without credible evidence, the petition could not stand, adding that Ssekikubo’s contradictions weakened his case.
As a result, the panel made two key orders:
The petition is hereby dismissed.
The declaration of Brig. Gen. (Rtd) Emmanuel Rwashande as the NRM flag bearer for Lwemiyaga Constituency is upheld.
The decision marks a significant political setback for Ssekikubo, a vocal legislator who has represented Lwemiyaga in Parliament for years. His bid to challenge Rwashande’s victory leaves him politically wounded as the NRM gears up for the 2026 general elections.
Brig. Gen. Rwashande’s confirmation as the party candidate now sets the stage for his maiden parliamentary contest under the NRM ticket.