Masaka, Uganda: Fresh political tension is building in Masaka District yet again after multiple insider sources revealed what they describe as a behind-the-scenes strategy aimed at challenging the declared victory of National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate Joan Namutaawe, just weeks after the contentious Masaka City drama that saw Justine Nameere claim the city’s woman MP seat.
Namutaawe, the incumbent, was declared winner of the January 16 polls with 16,640 votes, edging out NRM’s Joanita Nalule by approximately 500 votes.
While no formal petition has yet been filed before the High Court, DailyExpress has learned that preliminary consultations are allegedly underway among individuals described by sources as “well-connected political actors” to explore all possible ways to ‘steal” Namutaawe’s victory.
Unlike the Masaka City model, which centred on a recount process that later overturned the initial result, highly-placed sources claim the emerging strategy in Masaka District is focused on pursuing a court petition once sufficient grounds are assembled.
DailyExpress has not independently verified the content (recordings and leaked minutes) of the alleged meetings. However, more than one source privy to the discussions told this publication that “options are being evaluated” regarding a possible judicial challenge.
One source familiar with the discussions described them as “early planning conversations about the legal pathway.” “The big people in Kampala are weighing whether a petition is viable,” the source said. “There is concern about public perception and party image.”
The Masaka City ruling, which reversed the victory of NUP’s Rose Nalubowa in favor of NRM’s Justine Nameere following court proceedings, remains politically sensitive. Supporters of both parties continue to debate whether the process strengthened or weakened public confidence in electoral justice.
The alleged plot comes after recent protests by NRM supporters in Masaka District who insist that Nalule was the rightful winner and accuse the district’s Electoral Commission of failing to announce what they claim were accurate tallies.
“Our candidate won with a clear margin, but the Electoral Commission refused to announce her victory,” one protester said. “We are asking the President to help us, just like it was done in Masaka City, where justice was served.”
However, sources familiar with the Kampala meetings say there were disagreements among participants, with some cautioning against pursuing what one attendee allegedly described as “a risky political gamble.”
A senior party official and its staunch mobiliser, who spoke to DailyExpress on condition of anonymity, warned that forcing a recount without solid legal grounds could damage the party’s credibility.
“If there are genuine irregularities, the law provides remedies,” the official said.
“But if it appears as though political influence is being exerted without clear proof, that would hurt the party more than help it.”
Party officials in Masaka District denied knowledge of any organized effort to overturn the results, although the source spoke with confidence on the alleged plot.
The NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong did not respond to calls by press time. Both Namutaawe and Nalule were also unavailable for comment.
As of publication, there was no record yet of a filed petition before the High Court in Masaka challenging the results.
Important: Masaka District Woman MP and Masaka City Woman MP are two separate and distinct parliamentary constituencies created under Uganda’s administrative structure. Masaka City was carved out of the former Masaka Municipality and operates independently of Masaka District. Each elects its own Woman MP through a separate electoral process, and the results or legal outcomes in one constituency do not automatically apply to the other.
What Happens Next?
Under Ugandan electoral law, only a properly filed petition supported by evidence can trigger a judicial review of election results. But political analysts warn that even unconfirmed recount rumours can heighten tensions in already competitive constituencies.
Masaka has long been considered an opposition-leaning region, and any perceived attempt to alter declared results could inflame partisan divisions. Whether the recount debate evolves into a formal legal challenge remains to be seen.
DailyExpress is reviewing additional material related to the alleged plot, including internal communications and accounts from participants. Further details will be published in subsequent editions following legal verification.
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