By Minister of State for Energy Phiona Nyamutooro has been declared unopposed as Woman Member of Parliament for Nebbi District after the Electoral Commission (EC) nullified the nomination of her rival, National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate Abedican Mercy Rebecca.
In a formal communication dated November 13, the EC overturned the earlier decision of the Nebbi District Returning Officer and ruled that Abedican was not eligible for nomination, citing failure to meet the legal requirement of at least ten valid supporters registered in the district.
The decision followed a petition filed by two individuals, Ongiera Godfrey and Bedic Jimmy, who told the Commission that their particulars and signatures had been fraudulently included on Abedican’s nomination forms. Both men appeared before the EC and denied ever supporting her candidature.
During cross-examination, Ongiera further presented evidence showing he is an enrolled member of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), making it legally impossible for him to endorse a candidate sponsored by NUP. The Commission concluded that Abedican did not provide sufficient rebuttal to these claims.
“The Commission found that the candidate did not provide the minimum of ten persons registered in the Nebbi Electoral District as required,” the ruling reads in part.
With the irregularities confirmed and the nomination annulled, the EC resolved that Nyamutooro — the only remaining nominee — be declared elected unopposed as Woman MP for Nebbi District.
The development marks a significant boost for the minister, who now retains the seat without facing a contest in the 2026 polls.
While the decision has sparked criticism from NUP leaders, including party president Robert Kyagulanyi who accused the EC of political bias and intimidation of opposition supporters, the Commission insists its ruling was based purely on legal requirements and verified evidence.
Nyamutooro has not yet issued a public statement on the decision.
