The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Election Disputes Tribunal has declared Hussein Hudu NRM’s official flag bearer for Member of Parliament in Mbale City’s Northern Division. The ruling overturned the earlier announcement of Umar Nangoli as winner, citing major electoral irregularities.
Hudu, a former Yumbe Resident District Commissioner, challenged the July 16th primaries where Nangoli had been declared victorious with 22,166 votes against his 21,575 — a margin of 591. After reviewing declaration forms and contested tallies, the Tribunal concluded that Hudu had in fact won by 336 votes.
In its ruling, signed by Chairperson John Musiime alongside Ampaire Tumwebaze, Hillary Kabiswa, and Diana Kasabiiti, the panel nullified Nangoli’s victory and confirmed Hudu as the “duly elected NRM flag bearer.”
The decision comes amid rising friction within the party, with multiple constituencies reporting petitions of malpractice, violence, and vote rigging ahead of the 2026 general elections. Hudu himself had earlier condemned the July primaries as “a sham election,” accusing rivals of voter intimidation, multiple voting, and forgery of declaration forms.
“My supporters were bullied, barred from polling stations, and my posters were torn down,” Hudu argued after the polls, insisting he “never lost” and refused to concede.
His successful petition highlights growing scrutiny over internal democracy in the NRM and sets the stage for a fiercely competitive parliamentary race in Mbale City’s Northern Division.
