Hudu Hussein Says NRM Primary Loss as a 'Defilement of Democracy'

Former Masaka Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Hudu Hussein has broken his silence following a defeat in the NRM party primaries for the Northern Division parliamentary seat in Mbale City, describing the exercise as a “defilement of democracy” and vowing to formally petition the outcome.

Hudu failed to hoodwink voters and lost by a margin of just 591 votes, polling 21,575 against Nangoli’s 22,166. He alleges that the election was marred by widespread irregularities and electoral fraud, which he claims denied him victory.

In a statement released after the announcement of results, Hudu thanked residents of Northern Division for voting “under challenging circumstances” and commended the NRM’s commitment to democracy, but accused his rivals of violating those principles.

“Unfortunately, what we witnessed on Wednesday was a great defilement of the very stone upon which the party is anchored: the people of Northern Division were disenfranchised by my opponents and those they colluded with to rig the election,” he said.

Hudu cited multiple claims of voter intimidation, ballot manipulation, and forgery of Declaration of Results (DR) forms. He said some of his supporters were barred from voting at several polling stations, while others were harassed or discouraged from participating.

“There are serious allegations of forgery in so many places, and many of my voters were bullied and disallowed from making the lines or voting. My posters were also removed from most polling stations,” he said.

He further alleged that some voters cast ballots in multiple locations, calling into question the integrity of the entire process.

Despite the official figures, Hudu rejected the outcome and refused to concede defeat.

“This is not my first election to participate in as a candidate. I know how to concede when the voice of the people is respected… In this election, I never lost, and I cannot concede,” he said.

Hudu confirmed plans to file a petition through NRM party structures to contest the results and, in his words, “restore the integrity of the party and the power of the people’s choice.”

“This battle is not just about being an MP. It is also about restoring the honor of the many people who took their time to vote, trusting the transparency of the election, but were instead cheated through intimidation, violence and fraud,” he added.

He urged his supporters to remain calm and optimistic as he prepares to present his case to the NRM electoral tribunal.

“Do not lose hope or feel dejected at all. This is merely the first half. By January 15th, we shall be jubilating and celebrating a new dawn for our city,” Hudu declared. “Justice must be done and be seen to be done.”

Hudu Hussein, who had hoped to transition from public administration into elective politics, is expected to file his petition in the coming days.