Africa-Press – Uganda. Several candidates contesting the National Resistance Movement (NRM) National Female Youth Member of Parliament seat have threatened to boycott the party’s internal elections unless the NRM Electoral Commission resolves a dispute over the eligibility of fellow aspirant Fiona Nakku.
The controversy stems from a petition by youth leader Moses Mufakinaye, also known as Omujugujugu, who alleges that Nakku is 31 years old—beyond the 18–30 age limit stipulated under the National Youth Council Act for youth leadership positions.
Mufakinaye also raised concerns about Nakku’s reported relationship with NRM National Treasurer Barbara Nekesa Oundo, citing a potential conflict of interest.
Dated July 31, the petition seeks the disqualification of Nakku, Mercy Kanyesigye (another female youth MP aspirant), and Daniel Ongom, a contestant for the National Youth Council seat in Nakawa Division, citing similar age-limit concerns.
The petition references national IDs, passports, academic transcripts, and Electoral Commission records as supporting evidence.
Mufakinaye contends that Nakku presented a new birth certificate showing she was born in 1997, which allegedly contradicts her academic records and nomination documents from the 2021 general elections when she contested for Woman MP in Busia District.
The petition further claims that the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) rejected Nakku’s request to amend her date of birth after verification.
Regarding Ongom Daniel, the petitioner alleges that Electoral Commission records indicate he is not within the youth age bracket and is missing from the mandatory National Youth Register.
In a joint statement, several female aspirants warned they would withdraw from the race unless the NRM Electoral Commission verifies all candidate ages, investigates alleged interference by party officials, and ensures strict adherence to vetting procedures.
“The integrity of the youth wing and the credibility of NRM primaries are at stake,” they said.
As of Saturday, the NRM Electoral Commission and party secretariat had not responded. Analysts warn that failure to resolve the controversy transparently could undermine confidence among youth members, a key constituency for the ruling party.
For More News And Analysis About Uganda Follow Africa-Press
