Kampala, Uganda | August 20, 2025 —
The NRM Election Disputes Tribunal has dismissed a petition filed by Mr. Chono Patrick Okello challenging the outcome of the July 17th, 2025 party primaries for the Maruzi North County Constituency. The Tribunal ruled that Mr. Otim Benard Odoc was duly elected as the NRM flag bearer for the upcoming parliamentary elections, affirming his 7,486-vote victory over Okello’s 2,323 votes.
The petition, registered as Petition No. PT-323-2025, alleged widespread electoral irregularities, including non-use of the voter register, bribery, ejection of polling agents, alteration of declaration of results (DR) forms, and polling outside designated hours. Okello sought nullification of Otim’s victory and a fresh election.
Tribunal Finds No Substantial Irregularities
Delivering its verdict, the Tribunal led by Chairperson John Musiime, alongside members Anthony Bazira, Joseph Lobalang, and Isaac Okurut, found that the petitioner failed to substantiate his claims to the required legal standard.
“There was insufficient credible and independent evidence to support the allegations made by the petitioner. The declaration of results forms bore signatures of the petitioner’s agents without any recorded objections. That alone is conclusive evidence that the election was free and fair,” the ruling stated.
Bribery Allegations Dismissed
On the issue of voter bribery, the Tribunal noted that while the petitioner alleged that campaign agents were given money prior to voting day, he failed to provide clear and direct proof linking the acts to Mr. Otim or demonstrating that the alleged actions materially influenced the outcome.
“Allegations of bribery must be supported by clear, unequivocal evidence. No such standard was met here,” the Tribunal noted.
No Proof of Result Tampering
The Tribunal also dismissed claims of result falsification, noting that the petitioner did not present any comparative DR forms or alternative result tallies to support his allegations.
“In absence of concrete evidence of falsified results or double result sheets, the claim cannot stand,”the panel concluded.
Petition Dismissed, Otim Confirmed as Flag Bearer
Having failed to prove any of the key allegations, the Tribunal dismissed the petition in its entirety and confirmed Mr. Otim Benard Odoc as the duly elected NRM flag bearer for Maruzi North County Constituency in the 2026 general elections.
Final Orders:
1. The petition by Mr. Chono Patrick Okello is dismissed.
2. Mr. Otim Benard Odoc’s declaration as NRM flag bearer is upheld.
3. No order is made as to costs.
The ruling reaffirms the NRM’s internal electoral processes and strengthens the principle that party primaries must be guided by evidence-based claims and adherence to party regulations and national electoral laws.
