EDITOR
Retired General Henry Tumukunde, a contender for the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Rukungiri district chairperson position, has denounced the ongoing NRM district elections as illegal. He raises concerns over the involvement of serving military personnel in the electoral process and reports of delegate intimidation.
Tumukunde specifically points to Mr. Mugarura Jackson, the district NRM registrar, alleging that he is an active government intelligence officer under the Internal Security Organisation (ISO). He argues that Mugarura’s current service status contravenes Ugandan law, which prohibits serving military officers from participating in partisan politics.
Under Section 99 of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Act, 2005, serving officers must resign or retire before seeking political office. Additionally, Article 208(2) of the Constitution of Uganda mandates that the UPDF remains nonpartisan and subordinate to civilian authority. These provisions were upheld in a 2024 Court of Appeal ruling, which invalidated Capt. Yuventine Omara’s election as Abim District chairperson due to his active military status during his candidacy.
Beyond legal concerns, Tumukunde alleges that several delegates were abducted from their homes on Thursday evening and Friday morning to prevent their participation in the elections. He claims that some delegates were rescued on Friday morning in Buyanja Town Council, suggesting intimidation tactics by his opponent, Gen. Jim Muhwezi.
When questioned about seeking redress, Tumukunde confirmed that he has petitioned Mr. Tanga Odoi, the National NRM Chairperson for the Electoral Commission, and is awaiting a response.
These developments have intensified scrutiny over the NRM’s internal electoral processes, raising questions about adherence to legal frameworks and the integrity of the party’s democratic practices.
