By A team of lawyers led by Democratic Party (DP) Deputy President Fred Mukasa Mbidde has mounted a legal challenge against the outcome of the recently concluded NRM primaries for the Lyantonde District Woman MP seat. The case, brought on behalf of Deborah Rwabwogo and other aggrieved candidates, alleges that the electoral process was marred by widespread irregularities and violence.
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Speaking shortly after appearing before the NRM Elections Disputes Tribunal, Mbidde described the process as “convoluted” and “besieged,” claiming that what should have been a people-driven democratic exercise was instead hijacked through intimidation, manipulation, and vote-rigging.
“We are a table of lawyers representing Unangu Dewola and other candidates including Hon. Rupina, Hon. Kepirembe, and Hon. Rafin. We’ve consolidated their grievances into one petition under the guidance of the tribunal,” Mbidde said.
Citing Article 1 of the Constitution, which states that all power belongs to the people, Mbidde argued that the people’s will had been subverted in Lyantonde. “The president himself wrote a letter describing those who engaged in such electoral mischief as ‘idiots.’ We are here to make sure the idiots don’t win,” he added.
Mbidde said the tribunal session was largely fair and receptive to their submissions, although he expressed frustration with the respondent’s legal team. “Their lawyer came late, submitted frivolous arguments, and in my opinion, lacked seriousness. He couldn’t rebut the evidence we presented.”
The legal team for the petitioners accused the respondents of relying on unsigned narratives and failing to produce credible counter-evidence. “Our clients presented sworn affidavits and factual testimony. The respondents simply submitted statements drafted by others and signed by the candidate,” Mbidde said.
He also warned that if a rerun is recommended, the same electoral officials responsible for the alleged irregularities should not oversee the process. “The registrar, a civil servant and teacher, cannot be trusted to manage a fair rerun given the glaring inequality already on record,” he said.
Mbidde concluded by urging the tribunal to declare their client, Deborah Rwabwogo, the rightful winner of the primary and to uphold the constitutional right of Lyantonde voters to elect their representative in a free and fair manner.
The tribunal is expected to issue its ruling in the coming weeks.
