The Electoral Commission has declared Jacqueline Mbabazi unopposed for the position of Member of Parliament representing Older Persons in the Western Region.
The declaration came after a petition filed by Jackson Tuhayire, a voter from Rwampara District, who challenged the nomination of candidate Patrick Kyamukate Mutabwire. Tuhayire argued that Mutabwire had failed to raise the minimum number of supporters required for valid nomination, a claim the Electoral Commission later upheld. With no other eligible contender in the race, the Commission announced Mbabazi as the sole candidate, effectively granting her an automatic path to Parliament.
Mbabazi had emerged victorious in a tense repeat election for the NRM flag, securing 229 votes against Mutabwire’s 176. The impromptu poll was ordered by the NRM Election Disputes Tribunal, which had nullified her initial August 26 victory after identifying procedural inconsistencies in the first round of voting.
The Tribunal—chaired by John Musiime with members Esau Isingoma and Nelson Kamuhanda—ruled on September 24, 2025, that the first primaries failed to fully comply with party regulations. It directed the NRM Electoral Commission to conduct a fresh election within 14 days, reopening the contest between Mbabazi and Mutabwire.
According to the Electoral Commission’s findings, Mutabwire’s nomination lacked the constitutionally required number of supporting signatures from older persons in the region.
The petitioner, Jackson Tuhayire, argued that the shortfall represented a fundamental violation of the nomination guidelines set for special interest group elections. After verification, the Commission agreed, thereby invalidating the nomination and leaving Mbabazi as the only duly qualified candidate.
Mbabazi’s re-emergence as the uncontested candidate marks the culmination of a political roller-coaster that began in August 2025. She was first declared the NRM flag-bearer after polling 215 votes, ahead of Mutabwire’s 162. But Mutabwire swiftly petitioned the results, citing irregularities in delegate verification and vote counting.
Though the Tribunal initially upheld her win on September 5, it later reversed that decision after reviewing new evidence, plunging the internal race into uncertainty and fueling speculation about possible factions within NRM.
The repeat vote restored Mbabazi’s position, and now the Electoral Commission’s national-level ruling has sealed her political comeback.
Her campaign has consistently highlighted the urgent need to improve healthcare access for senior citizens, strengthen social security mechanisms, and protect elderly landowners from exploitation.
“Our senior citizens have contributed immensely to building this nation,” she said during her victory speech after the repeat election. “They deserve better healthcare, protection from land grabbers, and opportunities to live productive, dignified lives. That is the vision I will carry to Parliament.”
She plans to advocate for expanded community health outreach, stronger SACCOs targeting senior citizens, and legal reforms safeguarding property rights.
Jacqueline Mbabazi born 18 August 1954 is an educator, politician and businesswoman. She served as the Chairperson of the Women’s League in the NRM.
Jacqueline Mbabazi attended several primary schools in Kabale District ,Bweranyange Girls Senior Secondary School in Bushenyi for her O’Level education and Trinity Collge Nabingo for her A’Level studies. In 1973, she joined Makerere University graduating in 1976, with Bachelors of Science Degree and Diploma in education .
