MBARARA. Igara West Member of Parliament, Louis Gafa Mbwatekamwa has suffered a setback after the Electoral Commission (EC) nullified the nomination to stand for Mbarara City mayor.
The EC had earlier cleared him to contest for the position as an independent candidate in next year’s elections.
In a letter dated October 23, 2025, and addressed to M/s Mujurizi & Tumwesigye Advocates, the EC Chairperson, Justice Simon Byabakama Mugenyi, cited irregularities in Mbwatekamwa’s nomination, concluding that the legislator did not meet the legal residency requirements to contest for the position.
The Commission was responding to a complaint filed on September 5, 2025, which challenged Mbwatekamwa’s eligibility to run for the Mbarara mayoral seat. Following a hearing on September 18, the EC established that Mbwatekamwa was originally a registered voter and resident of Gongo Village, Kyamuhunga Ward, Kyamuhunga Town Council, Igara County West in Bushenyi District.
According to the EC, during the update of the National Voters Register, Mbwatekamwa submitted documents claiming residency in Mbaguta Village, Ruharo Parish, Mbarara City, to justify his voter transfer. However, the Chairperson of Mbaguta Village refuted the claim, stating that Mbwatekamwa was not a resident of the area.
The Commission noted that the MP failed to produce satisfactory proof of ordinary residence in Mbarara City as required under Section 12(2)(b) of the Local Governments Act (Cap. 138).
Justice Byabakama’s letter reads in part:
“Accordingly, the decision of the Returning Officer, Mbarara City Electoral District, nominating Candidate Mbwatekamwa Gaffa, is hereby reversed.”
The letter was copied to both the Returning Officer of Mbarara City and the candidate himself.
Speaking shortly after the EC’s ruling, Hon. Mbwatekamwa said he would not appeal the decision, arguing that there is “no fairness or justice in Ugandan courts.”
“I won’t appeal. I’ll just wait for five years and come back. I’ll repackage myself and contest for any position when the time is right,” he stated.
Mbwatekamwa, who has been serving as MP for Igara West, had recently announced his bid for Mbarara City Mayor as an independent, citing a desire to bring fresh leadership and people-centered governance to the city.
His disqualification adds a dramatic twist to the Mbarara mayoral race, which has already drawn several prominent contenders ahead of next year’s general election.