By Mike Rwothomio

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Election Disputes Tribunal has received 381 petitions challenging the outcome of the recent NRM Parliamentary Primary Elections, with allegations of vote rigging and electoral malpractices dominating the complaints.

The announcement comes as President Yoweri Museveni called for restraint and unity within the party, emphasizing the importance of resolving disputes through structured and transparent mechanisms.

In a press briefing held at Plot 30, Kyadondo Road, a copy that was later posted on the NRM party Website,  Tribunal Chairperson John Musiime outlined the Tribunal’s mandate to address grievances fairly and expeditiously, in line with the NRM Constitution, the NRM Election Regulations 2025, and national laws. 

The petitions, filed following the primaries to select parliamentary flag bearers, cite issues including vote rigging, multiple voting, violence, obstruction of polling agents, participation of ineligible candidates, and procedural irregularities during voting and tallying.

President Museveni, in a statement addressing the primaries, condemned any attempts to undermine the democratic process, stressing that the NRM remains committed to internal democracy. 

“The strength of our party lies in its ability to resolve disputes through principled and evidence-based mechanisms,” Museveni said, urging candidates and supporters to respect the Tribunal’s processes to preserve party unity.

Tribunal Chairperson John addressess a press briefing held at Plot 30, Kyadondo Road, on July 25, 2025.photo/courtesy

To manage the volume of petitions, the Tribunal has been organized into eight panels, comprising experienced legal professionals and trusted NRM cadres.

According to Musime, Hearings are set to commence on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at 9:00 AM, with a target to conclude all cases by September 1, 2025.

Musiime assured the public of the Tribunal’s commitment to transparency, competence, and fairness, guaranteeing all parties a fair opportunity to present their cases.

The Tribunal has implemented strict protocols to ensure efficiency, including notifying respondents via mainstream media, electronic communication, and direct calls. 

Parties are required to adhere to guidelines, with each allowed a maximum of five representatives, including legal counsel, at hearings.

No parking will be provided at the venue, and parties must attend only during their designated sessions as specified in hearing notices.

Musiime called on candidates and supporters to exercise restraint and respect the Tribunal’s rulings, emphasizing the importance of maintaining party unity. 

“The Tribunal is an expression of NRM’s commitment to resolving disputes in a structured manner,” he said, expressing gratitude to the Directorate of Legal Affairs and Tribunal staff for their dedication.

In the lead up to the  2026 general elections, the Tribunal’s work is seen as critical to ensuring a credible and unified front.

The tribunal also assured of  Regular updates and press briefings to keep the public informed as the process unfolds.

Mike Rwothomio is news editor at Zoomer Africa your number one grassroot infomations