NRM Tribunal Confirms Lt. Gen. Henry Tumukunde as Rukungiri Municipality Flag Bearer

Kampala: The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Election Disputes Tribunal has confirmed retired Lt. Gen. Henry Tumukunde as the party’s official flag bearer for Rukungiri Municipality in the forthcoming general elections.

This follows the dismissal of a petition by Isaac Atukunda, who finished third in the 17th July primaries with 1,646 votes. Atukunda challenged Tumukunde’s victory, alleging illegal nomination, electoral fraud, and ineligibility linked to his past political affiliations.

Atukunda claimed Tumukunde, who polled 4,542 votes, was not a legitimate NRM member, citing his 2021 presidential bid on a different platform, and alleged that he was not a resident of the constituency. He also accused him of voter bribery and intimidation. The incumbent MP, Elisa Rutahigwa, who came second with 2,826 votes, was not part of the petition.

Tumukunde’s legal team, led by Jude Byamukama of JByamukama & Co. Advocates, argued that he was duly nominated, remains a registered NRM member, and resides in Rwakabengo B Cell, Rukungiri Municipality. They also stressed that the tribunal’s scope was limited to polling-day events and that no objections were raised during the nomination process.

In its ruling, the tribunal agreed with Tumukunde’s defense, finding no credible evidence that he had ceased to be an NRM member. It clarified that his decision to contest as an independent candidate in 2021 did not automatically revoke his membership, especially in the absence of formal dismissal or disciplinary action.