NRM electoral commission overturns disputed Lugushuru primaries in Ssembabule

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The National Resistance Movement (NRM) electoral commission has reversed controversial primary election results in Ssembabule district's Mawogola North in Lugushuru sub-county following mass protests by supporters of candidate Paul Abaho.

The decision, announced late Monday, August 18, 2025, comes after three days of demonstrations triggered by initial results showing Benon Bulora winning by 608 votes at Rwekishugi polling station, a figure later exposed as inflated by over 600 votes.

The reversal of the results affecting the NRM LC3 flag-bearer for the sub-county in the 2026 General Election ignited jubilation among Abaho’s supporters, who had paralysed Ssembabule district headquarters on August 18.

Led by Abaho (popularly known as Akasente), protesters stormed the administration block carrying National Unity Platform (NUP) posters and threatening to defect unless the party rectified the "rigged" process. They specifically brandished images of NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi and district MP candidate Nona Rose Kankunda, signalling potential political realignment.

NRM EC commissioner for the region, Ambassador Maj. James Kinobe confirmed the reversal to New Vision Online, stating: "We have corrected the fraudulent results from Rwekishugi, where Bulora was wrongly declared the winner with 608 votes. Evidence confirmed he actually received only eight votes. Provisional tallies now place Abaho in the lead, pending fresh polls in two Keratsya villages where voting was initially suspended."

The controversy drew sharp criticism from political heavyweights, including former MP Sam Kutesa, outgoing MP Shartsi Musherure, and Lugushuru sub-county chairperson Fred Karakure.

Ssembabule Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Jane Frances Kagayi directly blamed the party’s EC for the crisis, demanding staff overhauls: "Certain EC operatives in Ssembabule have become election spoilers. I urge arrests for those implicated—this is on record."

Kagayi’s remarks intensified tensions with NRM leadership, as national EC supervisor Deborah Arayo accused the RDC’s office of partisan interference: "The RDC openly took sides, sabotaging our work. Had we handled this ‘with kid gloves,’ Ssembabule’s election would have collapsed." Arayo was deployed after National EC Chair Dr. Tanga Odoi removed compromised district registrar Patrick Ntale.

The crisis deepened as John Ambasize, the Lugushuru sub-county EC registrar, allegedly behind the Rwekishugi fraud, fled the village. Meanwhile, Kinobe confirmed reruns in Keratsya’s two electoral villages, with final results expected after those polls conclude.