By Bakinyumya Douglas Paapa Ov Uganda
(Political TV Producer & Host – @BDouglasPaapa)
15/AUGUST/2025
The stage is set for a political moment that could reshape the internal balance of Uganda’s ruling party. The NRM Electoral Tribunal has it releasing its long-awaited verdict on over 426 petitions lodged by aggrieved party members following the chaotic and fiercely contested parliamentary primaries.
Across the country, tension hangs heavy in the air. For some, the verdict is bring tears of joy a validation of grievances, a restoration of dignity, and a reaffirmation of internal democracy. For others, it’s tears of sorrow a crushing blow to ambitions, an end to political dreams, and perhaps the beginning of bitter political retirements.
A Party in the Mirror
The petitions represent more than just internal disputes; they are a mirror reflecting the cracks within the party’s political machinery. Allegations of vote rigging, intimidation, and outright bribery have not only stained the image of the primaries but also tested the NRM’s claim to fairness and unity.
The Tribunal’s decision has already overturned several earlier results and, in some cases, announced entirely new declarations. In Jinja City, for example, a previous winner was unseated after evidence proved irregularities, leading to a fresh declaration that has shifted local political dynamics overnight.
Big Fish on the Chopping Block
Perhaps the most politically explosive aspect of this verdict is the possibility that big political names that some considered untouchable could fall. If the Tribunal rules against sitting ministers, influential MPs, or long-serving district power brokers, it will send a sharp signal that no one is immune from internal accountability.
This could re-energize the grassroots, who have often complained that party politics favors the powerful over the popular. Yet it could also trigger internal sabotage from those whose careers are abruptly cut short.
The Stakes Beyond NRM
While the verdict directly affects NRM members, the ripple effects will be felt beyond the party. Opposition forces will be watching closely, eager to lure disgruntled losers into their ranks. Political independents may also emerge stronger, positioning themselves as the “untainted” choice for voters tired of party politics.
A Sword that Cuts Both Ways
The Tribunal now holds a sharp sword one that can cut in the direction of justice, restoring faith in the party’s processes, or one that could slice deeper into its unity, leaving wounds that may not heal before 2026.
The coming days will reveal whether the NRM’s internal judicial system can rise above political convenience and deliver verdicts that stand as a testament to fairness. But whatever the outcome, one truth is certain: will the judgement redraw the party’s internal power map in politics ? Such redrawings always come with consequences.
By :Bakinyumya Douglas Paapa Ov Uganda (Political TV Producer and TV Host – @BDouglasPaapa
