Adupo Florence, a contestant in the recent National Resistance Movement (NRM) party primaries for the Kapelebyong Woman MP flag bearer, has filed a petition with the NRM Dispute Tribunal in Kampala, seeking to nullify the results of the primaries.
The petition, filed on 21st July 2025, comes after Adupo lost the hotly contested primaries to the incumbent Woman MP Atuto Jacinta, who gathered 17,301 votes and Adupo received 8,415 votes in the race.
The results were announced by Emmanuel Eyomu, the Kapelebyong District NRM returning officer, whom Adupo accuses of presiding over a flawed and bribery ridden electoral process.
Adupo claims that the results were manipulated and do not reflect the true will of the voters.
She cited several irregularities, including discrepancies between the tally center figures and those announced at polling stations, as well as the confiscation of Declaration of Results (DR) forms from her agents.
According to her, her team received fewer than 200 DR forms out of the over 300 polling stations in the district.
She further alleged that some returning officers collided with her opponent’s camp and accepted bribes a day before the election.
Adupo also pointed out that the tallying process was compromised through data manipulation and exchange by agents allied to her rival.
Additionally, she accused the Kapelebyong NRM district chairperson of actively supporting her opponent by distributing money to voters in Obalanga and Achinga sub-counties, in violation of party rules and Uganda’s electoral laws.
Other allegations included:
- Voter bribery and diversion of voters to line up for Atuto Jacinta
- Delays in voting, particularly in Adipala village
- Distribution of money, alcohol, bicycles, and household items to influence voters, particularly in Akoboi
- Use of excessive force and intimidation of voters and agents
Adupo described the election process as “dictatorial, bribery-driven, and forceful.”
Despite her dissatisfaction, she thanked her supporters across Kapelebyong for their trust and backing, promising not to let them down.
“If the NRM Tribunal fails to address my petition, I will contest as an independent candidate,” she declared, drawing comparisons to Vice President Rt. Maj. Jesca Alupo, who contested as an independent in the 2016 elections.
“The people of Kapelebyong know my capacity and capabilities to lead them, I am a strong mobilizer and won’t disappoint them.” she said
Adupo also raised concerns over the safety of her agents, alleging that several were attacked, threatened, or arrested in areas like Akoboi and Oditel.
“Some of their businesses have even been threatened with arson, creating panic in the community,” she added.
Calling for calm between the rival camps, she emphasized that the primaries had concluded and urged unity among supporters to avoid tension and violence.
Mouris Opolot, her communications officer, echoed these concerns and stressed the importance of a fair and transparent investigation by the NRM Tribunal.
He called for scrutiny of the tally sheets, voter registers, and the authenticity of votes cast, alleging that Atuto Jacinta’s camp used extra printed agent tally sheets something he claims violates party regulations.
“We have more cases across the district and we’re ready to present them with solid evidence,” Opolot said, adding that they are hopeful the Tribunal will act swiftly and justly.
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