Kikuube by-election proceeds as EC tribunal dismisses petition

The much-anticipated by-election for the Kikuube District chairperson seat is set to proceed as planned on June 18, following a decisive ruling by the Electoral Commission (EC) tribunal. The tribunal has thrown out a petition that sought to nullify the nominations of Paddy Kisembo, the candidate for the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), and Fenekansi Timanyire of the National Unity Platform (NUP).

The petition was lodged by Philip Mbabazi Burnet, who was himself disqualified from contesting. Mbabazi had alleged that the Kikuube District Returning Officer erred in denying his nomination, citing issues with his academic qualifications and insufficient supporter endorsements. He further claimed that the nominations of Kisembo and Timanyire did not adhere to the Local Governments Act.

However, the EC tribunal, chaired by Justice Simon Byabakama Mugenyi, found the petition to be without merit. The tribunal noted that Mbabazi failed to provide the necessary certification from the National Council for Higher Education for his foreign academic qualifications, a mandatory requirement. The commission also confirmed that both Kisembo and Timanyire had successfully met the minimum supporter threshold for their nominations.

Following the ruling, Kisembo expressed his satisfaction and called for unity within the NRM party, urging members to put aside any disputes arising from the nomination process. He extended an olive branch to Mbabazi, expressing a desire to collaborate on Kikuube’s development should he win the election.

Conversely, Timanyire voiced his disappointment with the tribunal’s decision, lamenting the limited choice for voters and questioning the basis of the ruling. Mbabazi’s legal team indicated that they are considering further legal action, potentially prolonging the electoral dispute.

The by-election was necessitated by the tragic passing of the former district chairperson, Peter Banura Araali, in a road accident earlier this year. The Resident District Commissioner has urged for calm and tolerance among all candidate supporters as the campaigns enter their final stages.