Incumbent Buikwe Woman MP Diana Mutasingwa Defends Victory Amid NRM Tribunal Challenge
State Minister Diana Mutasingwa (Office of the Vice President) appeared before the NRM Elections Dispute Tribunal today, vehemently rejecting allegations of electoral theft from her competitors.
The Minister, also the ruling party’s flag bearer for Buikwe Woman MP, declared her victory legitimate and unassailable, framing the challenge as a desperate attempt to undermine her popular mandate.
In a tense hearing, Mutasingwa exhibited unwavering confidence, stating, “I have won, and victory is mine.”Her rivals—led by defeated candidate Harriet Kimyanso Nankabirwa—contended that irregularities marred the primary elections. Mutasingwa dismissed these claims as baseless, attributing her landslide win (62,708 votes vs.
Nankabirwa’s 4,889) to her track record in addressing constituents’ needs. The Tribunal, tasked with investigating NRM primary disputes nationwide, faces mounting scrutiny amid nationwide accusations of electoral chaos.
The Buikwe primaries mirrored broader NRM turmoil. Violent Outbursts: A physical altercation erupted at the district tally centre when former Njeru Municipality MP Paul Musoke attacked winner Badru Kabuye, tearing election documents after his defeat. Fraud Allegations. Critics nationwide decried the primaries as a “carnival of chaos” and “festival of fraud,” citing incidents of voter suppression and violence.
Mutasingwa’s Mandate: The Minister’s overwhelming support reflects her prominence in Buikwe, where she has championed key initiatives like the Sugarcane Bill, irrigation schemes, and road infrastructure projects.
The Minister anchored her tribunal testimony on three pillars
Development Record. She highlighted President Museveni’s recent allocation of Shs10 billion for Buikwe District Headquarters, Shs1.3 billion for irrigation, and funding for the Lugazi–Kiyindi–Buikwe road—all secured under her advocacy.
Grassroots Connection: “My victory stems from consistently addressing our people’s concerns,”* she asserted, referencing direct engagement with farmers, fishers, and bibanja tenants.
Legal Endorsement. Her camp emphasised that the tribunal lacks evidence to nullify her mandate, given the margin of victory and absence of documented fraud.
Challengers' allegations include: Vote-buying and ballot-stuffing in Mutasingwa’s strongholds. Intimidation of polling agents during tallying.
NRM District Chair Charles Kalangwa acknowledged tensions but urged unity: “Reconciliation is critical to prevent internal divisions”.
The hearing underscores the NRM’s struggle to manage internal democracy: President Museveni’s calls for “defending peace” contrast sharply with violent primary scenes. Analysts warn that unresolved disputes could weaken the NRM’s 2026 general election prospects.
The Tribunal will deliver a verdict within 7 days. Mutasingwa remains focused on the 2026 campaign, vowing to “uphold the party’s values” while addressing Buikwe’s unresolved challenges, including fishing rights on Lake Victoria and land injustice.
By Lawrence kyambadde for salt media uganda.
