NRM’s Justine Nameere has been declared the new Woman Member of Parliament for Masaka City after a dramatic and highly disputed court-ordered recount that overturned the earlier victory of NUP’s Rose Nalubowa.
The decision was delivered late Sunday night by Masaka Chief Magistrate Albert Asiimwe after nearly two days of tense vote tallying under heavy security.
According to the final figures announced by the court, Nameere polled 25,502 votes, defeating Nalubowa who got 23,176. This reversed the original Electoral Commission declaration that had given Nalubowa 25,443 votes against Nameere’s 20,324.
The recount was triggered by a petition filed by Nameere, who claimed that the election was marred by serious irregularities in 11 polling stations across Masaka City. The court accepted her complaint and ordered a fresh count of votes from the disputed areas.
However, the exercise quickly descended into controversy after more than five ballot boxes were found with broken and tampered seals. Despite objections from the opposition, the Chief Magistrate ordered the recount to proceed, excluding the affected boxes.
Nalubowa and her legal team protested the decision and walked out of the tally centre, accusing the court of disregarding electoral laws and fairness.
With Nalubowa absent, the recount went on under tight security until late Sunday night, when Nameere was declared the winner.
The ruling has sparked outrage among NUP supporters and opposition leaders, with many accusing the court of tipping the scales in favour of the ruling party. The Masaka City Woman MP seat is now expected to face another round of legal and political battles.