The fate of Sarah Inachu, the declared NRM flag bearer for Soroti City Woman MP, now hangs in the balance as the NRM Election Disputes Tribunal announced it will deliver its final ruling on the highly contested Soroti City primaries within seven days.
This development follows a tense session held at the party’s headquarters in Kyadondo, Kampala, where all parties appeared to present their arguments.
The petition, filed by Hon. Emilly Sheila Amulo, challenges the results of the July NRM primaries, citing widespread electoral irregularities and violations of the party’s 2025 primary election guidelines.
Speaking shortly after the hearing, Amulo confirmed her appearance before the tribunal, accompanied by her legal counsel, Okullo Geoffrey Alok.
“We appeared for the tribunal today and presented our evidence. I am confident that the truth will prevail,” Amulo stated.
“We provided video footage, altered declaration forms, and affidavits from polling agents showing clear irregularities during the voting process.”
The tribunal session brought both camps, Inachu’s and Amulo’s, face-to-face, underscoring the gravity of the dispute, which has become one of the most closely watched political battles within the NRM in Teso Sub-region.
In her petition, Amulo accuses the electoral team of malpractice in multiple wards, including:
- Madera Ward: Altered Declaration of Results (DR) forms allegedly signed under duress.
- Pioneer Ward (Nurses Cell): No actual voting reportedly occurred, yet votes were recorded.
- Aloet Ward: Results were allegedly filled from a registrar’s home, away from polling stations.
- Moruapesur Ward: Male voters were allegedly disenfranchised, with only women’s votes counted.
- Central Ward: Video evidence allegedly shows unverified voters being allowed to line up and cast votes without reference to the official voter register.
Amulo argues these irregularities contravene the NRM’s election guidelines and undermine the credibility of the party’s internal democratic process.
“This is not just about me; it’s about protecting the integrity of NRM primaries,” she emphasized. “The people of Soroti City deserve a free and fair process.”
The NRM Election Disputes Tribunal confirmed that it will deliver its final verdict in seven days after reviewing all submissions from both parties.
“We have listened to both sides and received supporting evidence. Our duty is to ensure justice and uphold the credibility of our party’s electoral process,” an official from the tribunal stated.
The ruling will determine whether Sarah Inachu’s victory stands or if the tribunal will order remedial action such as a recount, fresh primaries, or even annulment of the results.
The case has heightened political tension in Soroti City, with rival camps closely monitoring developments from Kampala.
Supporters of both candidates have taken to social media to voice their views, while calls for calm and party unity continue to dominate local political discourse.
Julius Enyalu, the Soroti City Assistant Resident City Commissioner, recently cautioned against premature celebrations, particularly by Inachu’s camp.
“It’s too early to celebrate. Let us wait for the tribunal ruling,” Enyalu said, warning against divisive rhetoric that could weaken the NRM ahead of the general elections.
He also urged both camps to focus on reconciliation once the ruling is delivered, noting that prolonged infighting could embolden opposition forces in the constituency.
Political analysts say the tribunal’s ruling could significantly impact NRM’s chances in Soroti City during the 2026 general elections.
“If the tribunal rules against Inachu, NRM will need a fresh strategy to rally behind a new flag bearer quickly,” observed political analyst Patrick Eitu.
“But if the tribunal upholds her win, the party must work to heal divisions and bring Amulo’s camp on board to avoid defections or protest votes.”
The dispute also serves as a litmus test for the NRM’s internal mechanisms to resolve electoral grievances transparently, amid growing scrutiny from party members demanding fairness and accountability.
As both Amulo and Inachu prepare for the tribunal’s decision, all eyes are on the NRM headquarters in Kyadondo.
The ruling, expected in a week’s time, will either cement Inachu’s position as the party’s flag bearer or trigger a dramatic shift in the Soroti City political landscape.
“We are hopeful the ruling will reflect the truth,” Amulo concluded. “The people of Soroti City are watching, and they deserve nothing less than justice.
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If it happens that the tribunal nulifiies Sarah Inachu’s results it’s the same as handing over victory to the opposition party in a silver platter.
Well the Nrm tribunal has a lot to do but also thats what people should expect from a mass party like nrm