MBWATEKAMWA ACCEPTS EXIT FROM MBARARA MAYORAL RACE, DISMISSES EC’S DECISION AS BASELESS

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By Aggrey Twesigye
In Mbarara
www.mknewslink.com

The Electoral Commission (EC) has disqualified Louis Mbwatekamwa Gaffa from the Mbarara City mayoral race over questions regarding his place of residence.

Mbwatekamwa, who was nominated on September 3 after fulfilling all requirements, faced a petition filed by a group of Mbarara City residents through M/s Mujurizi and Tumwesigye Advocates. The petitioners challenged his eligibility, claiming he is not a bona fide resident of the city.

In a letter dated October 23, 2025, addressed to the petitioners’ lawyers and signed by EC Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama Mugenyi, the Commission noted that Mbwatekamwa was previously registered as a voter in Gongo Village, Igara West, Bushenyi District. However, during his nomination for the Mbarara mayoral seat, he declared Mbaguta Village in Ruharo Parish as his residence.

The letter further stated that during the verification exercise, the Chairperson of Ruharo Parish denied that Mbwatekamwa was a resident of Mbaguta Village, rendering him ineligible to register or be nominated as a voter in that area.

Justice Byabakama said Mbwatekamwa appeared before the Commission to defend his case but failed to present convincing proof that he is ordinarily resident in Mbarara City, as required under Section 12(2)(b) of the Local Governments Act (Cap. 138). Consequently, the EC, in its meeting held on October 2, 2025, resolved that Mbwatekamwa did not qualify for nomination and nullified the earlier decision by the Mbarara City Returning Officer.

Speaking to journalists at his residence in Mbarara City on Friday evening, Mbwatekamwa confirmed he had seen the letter cancelling his nomination on Thursday and dismissed the EC’s reasons as unfounded. He clarified that his residence is in Nyakabungo Village, not Mbaguta Village as indicated in the letter.

Although expressing disappointment, Mbwatekamwa said he would not challenge the decision in court but would instead consult his supporters on the way forward. He reaffirmed his commitment to the people of Mbarara, saying his goals and vision for the city remain alive even after completing his five-year term.

This is the second time Mbwatekamwa has been blocked from an electoral contest. He was earlier barred from participating in the NRM party primaries, after which he announced plans to run as an independent candidate following the declaration of incumbent Mayor Robert Mugabe Kakyebezi as the NRM flag bearer by the party’s Electoral Commission Chairperson, Dr. Tanga Odoi.

Before his disqualification, Mbwatekamwa was set to contest against four candidates — incumbent Robert Mugabe Kakyebezi (NRM), Mark Itogoro Nyabihemu (NUP), Stanley Katambeyi (PFF), and independent candidate Eng. Mweteise Bitabara.