EC Disqualifies NUP’s Isingiro Woman MP candidate

The Electoral Commission has disqualified National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate Resty Sarah Kyarimpa from contesting for the Isingiro District Woman Member of Parliament seat in the 2025 parliamentary elections, citing failure to meet nomination requirements.

In a decision dated Dec. 23, the commission said one of the registered voters who supported Kyarimpa’s nomination appeared twice on her nomination forms, leaving her with fewer than the legally required ten distinct supporters from Isingiro District.

Under Section 28(1)(c) of the Parliamentary Elections Act, a parliamentary candidate must be endorsed by at least ten registered voters from the constituency.

“As a result, the candidate did not provide the minimum of ten persons registered in Isingiro District as required by law,” the commission said.

The decision, signed by Electoral Commission chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama Mugenyi, overturns an earlier clearance by the district returning officer and bars Kyarimpa from contesting the Isingiro Woman MP seat in the upcoming elections.

The opposition National Unity Platform has strongly rejected the ruling, accusing the electoral body of bias and political interference.

Money

In a statement, NUP alleged that its candidate was previously approached and offered money to withdraw from the race, which she declined, and claimed the disqualification was retaliation for her refusal.

The party also questioned the commission’s explanation, arguing that the Electoral Commission uses a computerised system that does not allow one voter to endorse the same candidate twice or support multiple candidates.

“These actions point to deliberate efforts to eliminate opposition candidates,” NUP leader Bobi Wine said, describing the decision as part of wider electoral malpractice.

The Electoral Commission did not immediately comment on the allegations of bribery or political pressure, but has consistently said nomination disputes are resolved strictly according to the law and available records.

Uganda is preparing for general elections in early 2026 amid growing political tensions, with opposition parties repeatedly accusing electoral and security institutions of favouring the ruling National Resistance Movement — allegations the government denies.

Candidates dissatisfied with Electoral Commission decisions may seek redress in court.