On 22 August 2025, the NRM Election Disputes Tribunal overturned the previously declared primary election results for Mbale City Northern Division. Hudu Hussein has now been declared the NRM flag bearer after a tribunal ruling that found substantial electoral irregularities in favor of Umar Nangoli.
“Under Regulation 44(4) … the previous margin of 591 votes in favor of Umar Nangoli was nullified and reversed, with Hudu Hussein now leading by 336 votes,” the Tribunal declared.
The Tribunal identified serious discrepancies in several polling stations:
What Went Wrong in the Polling Stations
Doko Cell: Though the written total votes cast was recorded as 105, the numerical figure was later altered to 405, without adjusting the text—an apparent act of tampering .
Bwana Cell: Nangoli’s votes were unlawfully increased from 42 to 142 in the tally sheets .
Also, in four polling stations named Namabasa 5(A), Kibumbire, Namabasa III A, and Bumuluya, the number of votes recorded exceeded the number of registered voters. As a result, those results were annulled .
After all adjustments, the final vote tally had Hudu Hussein winning with 20,898 votes and Umar Nangoli 20,562 votes. This gave Hussein a winning margin of 336 votes.
Reactions & Reflections
Hudu Hussein, responding to the ruling on his social media, expressed gratitude: “This is a win for the people who voted for a better Mbale.”
Meanwhile, a local resident, Aziz Mafabi, commented, “He never won. The results were forged to deny Hudu his victory. This decision sends a strong message against rigging in the NRM elections.”
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