The National Resistance Movement (NRM) primaries in Mbale City have become embroiled in controversy after Hudu Hussein, a key contender, rejected the official results. Hussein, a seasoned political figure and former Mbale Resident City Commissioner, has accused the electoral process of widespread fraud and manipulation.
In the official results, Hussein lost to Nangoli, who garnered 22,166 votes, narrowly edging out Hussein by 591 votes (21,575 votes). However, Hussein is adamant that the election was rigged, citing allegations of voter intimidation, multiple voting, forged results, and disenfranchisement of his supporters.
Hussein, in a statement issued on July 21, 2025, said:
“This is not my first election. I know how to concede when the voice of the people is respected. But I also know when an election has been rigged. In this case, justice demands maintaining my victory.”
He also claimed that many voters in Northern Division faced bullying and were prevented from voting, with electoral registers being tampered with. Additionally, he accused his opponent’s supporters of engaging in multiple voting at different polling stations and highlighted the disqualification of his campaign materials from several locations.
A Growing National Controversy
Hussein’s rejection of the results comes amid growing controversy surrounding NRM primaries across Uganda. Several regions have reported similar allegations of bribery, violence, and electoral malpractice, leading to widespread dissatisfaction within the party.
Even President Yoweri Museveni has acknowledged flaws within the primaries, criticizing incidents of intimidation, register tampering, and vote manipulation. Hussein echoed the President’s concerns, calling the situation in Mbale a reflection of the larger electoral crisis within the NRM.
“The sham election in Northern Division is the perfect image of the expression of the President’s displeasure and condemnation of elections riddled with altering results, tampering with registers, intimidation, and violence,” Hussein stated.
Legal Challenge and Faith in NRM Structures
Despite his strong criticisms, Hussein reaffirmed his trust in the NRM’s internal justice mechanisms and vowed to challenge the primary results through formal legal channels. He declared that this battle was not just about securing a Member of Parliament seat but about restoring honor to those who voted and ensuring fairness.
“This is merely the first half of the struggle,” Hussein said. He expressed optimism that, by January 2026, ahead of Uganda’s general elections, he would see a “new dawn” for Mbale.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lgwlDc_xfz4