Story by Obed Kankiriho
The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Registrar’s Office in Rukiga District has nullified the election of Zacharia Aharizira as Youth Chairperson for Mparo Town Council, citing his ineligibility as a serving civil servant.
Zacharia, a Principal Town Agent in Kabale Municipality, had narrowly won the election on May 16, 2025, defeating Christmas Jones Tumuramye by 8 votes to 6.
The election was conducted under the supervision of Mparo Town Council NRM Registrar, Charity Natukunda.
However, Tumuramye filed a formal petition challenging Zacharia’s eligibility, prompting an investigation by the Office of the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) and the district NRM Registrar.
The probe confirmed that Zacharia had not resigned from his government position prior to contesting, in violation of Uganda’s electoral laws.
Rukiga District NRM Registrar Yaryakumanyi Selubowa Twaha confirmed the nullification, stating that civil servants are barred from engaging in partisan politics to maintain public service integrity.
Tumuramye welcomed the decision and called on the NRM Electoral Commission to strengthen candidate vetting mechanisms to prevent similar incidents in future elections.
Meanwhile, questions have also been raised about Amos Ainomugisha, the newly elected NRM Secretary for Finance for Mparo Town Council.
Ainomugisha is reportedly employed as a porter at Mparo Health Centre IV under the Rukiga District Local Government.
Despite prior warnings from RDC Zadock Kamusiime, he also participated in the May 16 elections. His case is still under review, although his status as a public servant has been confirmed.
According to Section 15 of the Political Parties and Organizations Act (2005), public officers are prohibited from joining or promoting political parties. Breaches may result in fines or imprisonment.
The incident has sparked renewed calls for stricter enforcement of laws governing civil servants’ political involvement to ensure transparency and accountability within public service and political institutions.
