EC upholds Kikuube LCV candidates as NRM leaders call for unity

Kikuube: The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Secretariat and party leaders in Kikuube District have welcomed the ruling by the Electoral Commission tribunal dismissing a petition that challenged the nomination of candidates in the forthcoming Kikuube District LCV by-election.

The petition, filed by Phillip Mbabazi Burnet, contested the nomination of NRM flag bearer Paddy Kisembo and NUP candidate Fenekansi Timanyire. Burnet alleged that both candidates were nominated with insufficient endorsement signatures and that their nominations did not comply with Section 123(3)(f) of the Local Government Act.

However, following hearings held on June 1 and June 10, 2026, the Electoral Commission tribunal found no merit in the petition and upheld both Paddy Kisembo and Fenekansi Timanyire as duly nominated candidates for the by-election.

Speaking to journalists during campaign rallies in Kikuube District, National NRM Coordinator Dr. Rosemary Sseninde said the ruling had eliminated uncertainty among party members and would enable the NRM to focus on mobilizing support for its candidate.

“The tribunal’s decision has cleared the confusion that existed among some of our members who were waiting for the outcome of the petition. We can now concentrate on rallying support for our candidate and ensuring victory in the by-election,” Sseninde said.

She also appealed to NRM supporters to remain united and work together for the success of the party. “We need unity among all NRM members in Kikuube. Our strength lies in working together toward a common goal,” she added.

NRM Electoral Commissioner Jane Alisemera Babeiha urged residents of Kikuube to support Paddy Kisembo, noting that the tribunal had confirmed that his nomination met all the legal requirements.

“The Electoral Commission tribunal has confirmed that Paddy Kisembo was properly nominated. We therefore call upon the people of Kikuube to unite and support the NRM candidate,” Babeiha said.

Meanwhile, the NRM Vice Chairperson for Kikuube District, Opio Vincent Alpha, called for peace and harmony among party members, saying internal unity would strengthen the party ahead of the polls.

“As party members, we must remain peaceful and united. Division only weakens us, while unity will help us achieve our objectives in this election,” Opio said.

NRM flag bearer Paddy Kisembo welcomed the ruling and commended the Electoral Commission for handling the petition fairly and professionally.

“I appreciate the Electoral Commission for being fair and transparent throughout the process. The ruling gives us confidence to continue engaging voters and presenting our agenda for Kikuube District,” Kisembo said.

The ruling paves the way for both Paddy Kisembo of the NRM and Fenekansi Timanyire of the NUP to continue campaigning ahead of the Kikuube District LCV by-election.

Do you have an advertisement or article you want to publish? Mail us at theugreports@gmail.com or WhatsApp +256757022363.