JUST IN!! Hassan Lwabayi Mudiba Challenges NRM Over Flawed Eastern Region Workers’ League Elections

Uganda’s ruling party, the National Resistance Movement (NRM), is at the center of an internal election dispute as Hassan Lwabayi Mudiba files a petition against the NRM Electoral Commission and Walela Martin over alleged irregularities in the election for Vice Chairperson of the Eastern Region Workers’ League.

Mudiba, a workers’ leader and unionist, claims that his rival, Walela Martin, was irregularly nominated and declared winner despite still serving as a civil servant in Mbale District Local Government as a Parish Chief under Supplier No.113475. According to Article 80(4) of Uganda’s Constitution, civil servants must resign before contesting elections—a rule Mudiba says was ignored. He cites a past case where another civil servant, Madina Kiwanuka Nsegumire, was disqualified under similar circumstances, highlighting what he sees as selective application of the rules.

Beyond the nomination issue, Mudiba alleges serious election irregularities. He claims the voters’ register was manipulated, delegates were misled, and a deliberate power outage created confusion that his opponent’s camp allegedly exploited to influence votes. Complaints raised during the process were reportedly ignored, which Mudiba says points to a deliberate attempt to deny him a fair contest.

Mudiba also notes inconsistencies in the election process. While National Workers’ leaders were not elected according to districts or sub-regions, the same method was applied to Workers’ MPs flag bearers, creating unfair advantages for some candidates.

In his petition, Mudiba is seeking more than personal redress. He demands that the election be nullified, fresh elections conducted according to NRM guidelines and the Constitution, and that he be declared unopposed, arguing that the irregularities removed make him the rightful candidate.

The case raises broader questions about democracy within the ruling party. Selective enforcement of rules and manipulation of workers’ votes undermine transparency, fairness, and representation at the national level.

Mudiba concludes that his petition is motivated by democratic principles, transparency, and justice. While the tribunal decides the outcome, his challenge has already highlighted significant concerns about fairness and integrity in Uganda’s internal party elections, resonating with workers and supporters of democratic governance nationwide.