The Electoral Commission has disqualified Jacqueline Mbabazi’s opponent, Patrick Mutabwire, from contesting the Older Persons’ parliamentary seat in the Western Region.
Mrs. Mbabazi adds to the growing list of 13 unopposed MPs ahead of the 12th Parliament. In its ruling, the Commission said Mutabwire failed to meet the minimum supporter requirements for his nomination.
Mutabwire dragged Mrs. Mbabazi to the Electoral Commission tribunal, arguing that Boyana Benedicto and Kamuza Eldard Bahangana did not endorse her nomination.
The unopposed NRM MPs include Anita Annet Among, Speaker of Parliament and Bukedea Woman MP; Thomas Tayebwa, Deputy Speaker and MP for Ruhinda North, Mitooma District; Lillian Paparu Obiale, Arua Woman MP; Ruth Rujoki Mushabe, Kiruhura Woman MP; Phiona Nyamutoro, Woman Member of Parliament for Nebbi District; Ofwono Opondo, MP for Older Persons for Eastern Uganda; and others.
After being declared unopposed, Mrs. Mbabazi pledged to use this mandate to be the voice for elders, advocating for their dignity and pushing for better access to health care.
“This decision is not a personal victory over my former opponent. I respect him and his supporters, and I know that some may be disappointed by this outcome,” she said.
She said the outcome has not come through a ballot but through the application of the law.
