NAKASERO – The NRM disputes tribunal has dismissed a petition filed by Rwemiyanga constituency member of parliament Theodore Sekikubo and Joy Kafula Kabatsi seeking to overturn victory of Rtd. Brig. Gen. Emmanuel Rwashande in the just concluded NRM primaries.
According to the final declaration of results issued by the District Returning Officer, Brig. Gen (Rtd) Emmanuel Rwashande was declared winner with 16,356 votes (54.3%), followed by Hon. Ssekikubo Theodore with 8,702 votes (28.92%). Mr. Bwiire Edmond with 960 votes (3.19%), Hon Kabatsi Joy Kafura with 473 votes (1.59%), and Mr. Kato Jacob with 11 votes (0.05%).
The Petitioners Ssekikubo Theodore and Kabatsi Joy Kafura, being dissatisfied with the outcome, lodged the petition challenging the nomination, election and declaration of Brig. Gen Emmanuel Rwashande as the NRM flag bearer for that constituency.
On dismissing the petition, the tribunal ruled that whereas there existed instances of election irregularities, that alone did not affect the final results in any way.
“We are therefore not satisfied that the Petitioners have proved this allegation to the required standard since there is no such thing as a perfect election, the Tribunal finds and holds that even the instances of election irregularities proved did not affect the result in a substantial matter”
The petition has been therefore dismissed on grounds that the irregularities put forward did not affect the results
“Before we take leave of this matter, the Tribunal notes that on the one hand, the Petitioner prays that the Tribunal declares him the rightful winner of the very election he describes as marred by pervasive irregularities, illegalities, and violence. Respectfully, this contradiction further weakens the credibility and coherence of his case” ruled the tribunal.
