The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Election Disputes Tribunal has dismissed a petition filed by Dr. Odongo Samuel Oledo challenging the election of Hon. Okwir Samuel as the party’s flag bearer for Moroto Constituency in Alebtong District. The Tribunal, sitting in Kampala, delivered its ruling on August 22, 2025, affirming that the elections were conducted substantially in line with the NRM Election Guidelines and that the alleged irregularities were not significant enough to overturn the result.
Dr. Oledo, who secured 7,426 votes against Okwir’s 8,769, accused the respondent of a series of electoral malpractices, including voter bribery, ferrying ineligible persons to vote, intimidation, and obstructing polling agents. He also alleged that students from Alebtong Comprehensive SS were improperly allowed to vote and that his security team was assaulted during the process.
In his response, Hon. Okwir denied all allegations, presenting video and audio evidence purportedly showing Dr. Oledo engaging in violent acts and destroying electoral materials. The Tribunal noted that some claims, such as discrepancies in tally sheets and voter misconduct, lacked sufficient corroborative evidence.
Citing past legal precedents, the Tribunal ruled that even if minor irregularities occurred, they did not materially affect the outcome of the election given the vote margin of 1,343. The panel, chaired by Mr. John Musiime, ruled that Dr. Oledo failed to meet the burden of proof necessary to nullify the results or warrant a retally.
Final Orders:
• The petition was dismissed in its entirety.
• Hon. Okwir Samuel’s victory was upheld.
• The Tribunal reaffirmed his position as the official NRM flag bearer for Moroto Constituency in the upcoming general elections.
The decision is final and binding under the NRM Election Regulations of 2025.
