The National Resistance Movement Election Disputes Tribunal has upheld Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Henry Tumukunde’s victory in the July 17 Rukungiri Municipality primaries, dismissing a petition that sought to nullify his candidacy.
Challenger Isaac Atukunda, who finished third with 1,646 votes, had accused Tumukunde of losing his NRM membership when he ran for president as an independent in 2021, lacking residency in the municipality, and benefiting from electoral malpractice.
Tumukunde won the race with 4,542 votes, ahead of incumbent MP Elisa’s 2,826.
The Tribunal ruled there was no evidence that Tumukunde had been expelled or resigned from the NRM, noting party rules require formal proceedings for removal.
It also cited updated membership guidelines that recognise rejoining through local committees, with no breach proven in this case.
Residency, the panel stressed, is not a requirement under either national law or NRM primary regulations.
Allegations of bribery and intimidation were dismissed as vague and unsupported, with the margin of victory deemed too wide for any minor irregularities to have altered the outcome.
With all claims rejected, the tribunal confirmed Tumukunde as the party’s official flag bearer for Rukungiri Municipality in the 2026 elections.
