EDITOR
Retired Lt. Gen. Henry Tumukunde has withdrawn from the race for National Resistance Movement (NRM) Rukungiri District Chairperson, citing gross irregularities and violations of Uganda’s constitutional and military laws. His withdrawal follows allegations that the district NRM registrar, Mr. Mugarura Jackson, is a serving intelligence officer with the Internal Security Organisation (ISO), which Tumukunde argues compromises the integrity and legality of the electoral process.
According to Tumukunde, Mugarura’s active role in overseeing the elections contravenes Section 99 of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Act, 2005, which bars serving military officers from engaging in partisan politics. Article 208(2) of the Constitution of Uganda further emphasizes the nonpartisan role of the UPDF and its subordination to civilian authority. These legal concerns are underscored by a 2024 Court of Appeal precedent that annulled Capt. Yuventine Omara’s election as Abim District Chairperson due to his military status at the time.
Despite these concerns, Mugarura acknowledged his affiliation with ISO but insisted on proceeding with the election process. During the voting, candidates were called to stand as delegates lined up behind them. While Gen. Jim Muhwezi complied, Gen. Tumukunde remained seated in protest, along with his supporters. Muhwezi was subsequently declared unopposed, receiving 464 votes.
Adding to the controversy, Tumukunde had earlier accused his rival’s camp of intimidating delegates. He alleged that several of his supporters were abducted from their homes on Thursday evening and Friday morning to prevent their participation in the elections. Some, he claimed, were rescued in Buyanja Town Council.
Tumukunde confirmed that he has petitioned the NRM Electoral Commission Chairperson, Dr. Tanga Odoi, and is awaiting formal redress. It remains unclear whether he will escalate the matter to court.
These events have cast a spotlight on the internal electoral mechanisms of the ruling party, raising serious questions about compliance with legal frameworks and the integrity of its democratic processes.
