By BM
A tense scene unfolded on Tuesday at the National Resistance Movement (NRM) tribunal at Kyadondo on plot 30 in Kampala, as Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja’s legal team clashed with Harriet Ssali Tibulihwa, a petitioner challenging Nabbanja’s victory in the recently concluded and controversial party primaries for the Kakumiro District Woman MP seat.
Tibulihwa, appearing before the tribunal to argue for the nullification of Nabbanja’s win, accused the Prime Minister of orchestrating massive electoral malpractice.
Her comments to the media outside the tribunal, in which she claimed the election was “fraudulently stolen”, triggered a heated verbal exchange with Nabbanja’s legal team.
Representing the Prime Minister was Counsel Hassan Kamba, accompanied by Dr. Ivan Lwanyanga, Nabbanja’s brother, who also took an active role in the defense.
In a fiery rebuttal, Dr. Lwanyanga accused Tibulihwa of fabricating her petition, asserting that she had garnered only 64 votes during the primary elections. “This is not a matter of injustice; it’s a political stunt,” Lwanyanga said, alleging that Tibulihwa may be using the petition to seek leverage within the party for future opportunities.
Counsel Kamba also weighed in, stating that the petition was effectively dismissed shortly after the tribunal reviewed Nabbanja’s defense.
He described the petition as lacking in merit and supported by no credible evidence.
At the time of the official declaration of results, Prime Minister Nabbanja was abroad, attending the 10th Session of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) High-Level Political Forum in New York, a detail Kamba highlighted to suggest Nabbanja was not involved in any alleged election interference.
The NRM tribunal, formed to resolve growing disputes from the party’s chaotic primary season, continues to process dozens of petitions.
Many of the cases involve serious allegations of vote rigging, violence, and procedural irregularities, especially in races involving high-profile figures.
With rulings already being delivered in several cases, the party leadership hopes to restore unity and calm internal tensions ahead of the general elections.
However, as seen in today’s exchange, the deep divisions and accusations of foul play continue to stir emotions and public attention.
Whether the tribunal’s rulings will be accepted by all parties remains to be seen, but it is clear that the NRM faces a major test in managing internal democracy and credibility among its grassroots members. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
