The Electoral Commission has disqualified National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate Resty Sarah Kyarimpa from contesting for the Isingiro District Woman Member of Parliament seat, citing failure to meet nomination requirements.
In a ruling delivered by Electoral Commission Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama, the commission overturned the earlier decision by the Isingiro District Returning Officer who had cleared Kyarimpa to run.
“Accordingly, the decision of the Returning Officer, Isingiro District, nominating Candidate Kyarimpa Resty Sarah is hereby reversed; and Candidate Kyarimpa Resty Sarah is disqualified from the General Parliamentary Elections 2025 for the said elective office,” Justice Byabakama ruled.
The commission explained that after reviewing written responses, evidence and submissions, it discovered that one supporter appeared twice on Kyarimpa’s nomination forms.
According to the ruling, Niwamanya Tadeo, bearing National Identification Number CM97062101X5LL, was listed twice among the ten registered voters who endorsed the candidate.
“As a result, Candidate Kyarimpa Resty Sarah did not provide the minimum of ten persons registered in Isingiro District as required under Section 28(1)(c) of the Parliamentary Elections Act, Cap. 177,” the commission noted.
Following the decision, NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, also known as Bobi Wine, expressed dissatisfaction with the Electoral Commission, accusing it of unfairly disqualifying NUP candidates in several parts of the country.
The disqualification adds to growing tension between the opposition party and the Electoral Commission as the 2025 general elections draw closer.
