By The Electoral Commission (EC) has nullified the nomination of Hon. Mbwatekamwa Gaffa as a candidate for Mbarara City Mayor, citing irregularities regarding his residency status.
In a formal communication dated October 23, 2025, addressed to Mujurizi & Tumwesigye Advocates, the Commission stated that Mbwatekamwa failed to prove he is ordinarily resident in Mbarara City or District as required by law.
According to the EC, Mbwatekamwa was initially registered as a voter in Gongo Village, Kyamuhunga Ward, Kyamuhunga Town Council, Igara County West, Bushenyi District. However, during the update of the National Voters Register, he applied to transfer his polling station to Mbaguta Village/Zone in Ruharo Parish, claiming residence there.
Investigations later revealed that the chairperson of Mbaguta Village denied that Mbwatekamwa was a resident of the area. When summoned before the Commission, Mbwatekamwa reportedly failed to present satisfactory proof of residence in Mbarara City.
The EC noted that this contravened Section 12(2)(b) of the Local Governments Act (Cap.138), which requires candidates for local government offices to be ordinarily resident in the area where they seek election.
Following deliberations in its meeting held on October 2, 2025, under Minute COMM 013/2025, the Commission resolved that Mbwatekamwa’s nomination was invalid, ruling that the Mbarara City Returning Officer’s decision to nominate him was erroneous.
“The decision of the Returning Officer, Mbarara City Electoral District nominating Candidate Mbwatekamwa Gaffa is hereby reversed,” wrote Justice Simon Mugenyi Byabakama, the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission.
The Commission’s decision effectively bars Mbwatekamwa from contesting in the forthcoming mayoral race unless overturned through a competent appeal.
