Exclusive!! Why EC Disqualified Phiona Nyamutoro’s NUP Opponent To Make Nyamutoro Unopposed

The Electoral Commission has nullified the nomination of Abedican Mercy Rebecca as the Woman Member of Parliament for Nebbi District, citing her failure to meet the legal requirements for candidature. This dramatic decision—outlined in a comprehensive letter dated 13th November 2025 and signed by EC Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama—comes after a petition earlier this month challenged the legitimacy of her nomination.

The controversy began when two individuals, Ongiera Godfrey and Bedic Jimmy, swore affidavits alleging that their names and signatures had been fraudulently used to endorse Abedican’s bid for Parliament. What initially appeared to be a routine verification matter quickly escalated into a significant political dispute.

When the duo appeared before the Electoral Commission, they did not mince words; they “vehemently denied” ever supporting her candidacy. During a tense cross-examination session, Ongiera went a step further, revealing that he was a member of the National Resistance Movement (NRM). He stated plainly that, as an NRM supporter, he could not have endorsed a candidate sponsored by the National Unity Platform (NUP), thereby deepening doubts about the authenticity of the signatures submitted by Abedican.

When it was Abedican Mercy Rebecca’s turn to defend her nomination, the Commission noted that she was unable to provide satisfactory evidence to counter the allegations raised by Ongiera and Bedic Jimmy. This shortfall proved crucial. The Commission concluded that she had failed to meet the requirement of securing at least ten registered voters from Nebbi Electoral District to support her nomination as stipulated in Section 28(1)(c) of the Parliamentary Elections Act.

Following these findings, the Electoral Commission convened on 7th November 2025 and resolved that Abedican was ineligible for nomination due to non-compliance with the law. Consequently, the Returning Officer’s earlier decision to nominate her was formally reversed, effectively ending her bid before the campaign could even gather momentum.

With Abedican disqualified and no other contender meeting the necessary standards, the Commission directed that Phiona Nyamutoro be declared elected unopposed as the Woman Member of Parliament for Nebbi District—an outcome that immediately stirred widespread debate.

The ruling has ignited discussion in political circles, triggering a wave of reactions from supporters of both sides. Some have applauded the Electoral Commission for its steadfast commitment to enforcing legal requirements, portraying the decision as a crucial step in safeguarding electoral integrity. Others, however, have raised concerns about the timing, transparency, and broader implications of the nullification, arguing that such decisions carry deep political weight.

Justice Byabakama, in defending the Commission’s move, emphasized that the process was guided strictly by the law and by the evidence presented. He reaffirmed the Commission’s mandate to ensure free, fair, and credible elections, asserting that the institution would not hesitate to enforce electoral regulations whenever necessary.