Confusion and drama unfolded in Kyanamukaaka Sub-county during the nomination exercise for the Bukoto Central parliamentary seat when Jamiru Kivumbi was nominated on the National Unity Platform (NUP) ticket ahead of the party’s official flag bearer, Alex Kalinzi Ntamu.
Kivumbi, who had initially been endorsed during the party’s vetting process, was later replaced by Kalinzi as the official flag bearer.
However, on nomination day, he appeared with a fully stamped party endorsement letter bearing the signature of NUP Secretary General Lewis Lubongoya — and was duly nominated by the Electoral Commission of Uganda.
When Kalinzi arrived at the nomination table, he was shocked to learn that the party card had already been used by Kivumbi. Electoral officials advised him to use a different symbol since another candidate had already been cleared on the NUP ticket.
Visibly frustrated, Kalinzi accused the commission of double standards.
“I verified my signatures and submitted my documents in time. The commission never told me someone else had been nominated on the same ticket,” he said.
Kalinzi vowed to challenge the nomination in court, describing the incident as “an act of sabotage” orchestrated by his rivals who view him as a strong contender.
But Kivumbi dismissed the allegations, saying he was unaware the party had reallocated the ticket.
“I was chosen by the party. Even senior mobilizer Habib Buwembo has been here informing voters that I’m the official candidate. Kalinzi’s claims are just theatrics,” Kivumbi stated.
He declined to comment further on the legality of how he obtained the card, saying the matter was now before the party’s top leadership.
According to Returning Officer Marble Kwalikunda, both candidates presented signed documents. Since Kivumbi arrived first, the commission processed his nomination and advised Kalinzi to consider running as an independent candidate.
“The right to disqualify Kivumbi lies with the party, not the commission,” Kwalikunda clarified. “We followed the proper procedures during the nomination.”
The dispute is expected to escalate as Kalinzi prepares legal action while the party leadership investigates how the card was acquired and used.
ENDS
