The Electoral Commission has officially disqualified Hon. Mbwatekamwa Gaffa from contesting for the position of Mbarara City Mayor, citing failure to prove that he is a resident of the city. The decision followed a complaint filed against his nomination, leading to a detailed investigation by the Commission.
According to a letter dated October 23, 2025, and signed by the Electoral Commission Chairperson, Justice Byabakama Mugenyi Simon, the Commission found that Mbwatekamwa did not provide satisfactory evidence showing that he lives in Mbaguta Village, Ruharo Parish, Mbarara City. The matter arose after the chairperson of Mbaguta Village/Zone denied that Mbwatekamwa was a resident there, contradicting the information he had provided when transferring his polling station during the voter registration update.
The Commission noted that Mbwatekamwa was originally registered as a voter in Gongo Village, Kyamuhunga Ward, Bushenyi District. When he sought to be nominated in Mbarara City, he claimed to have shifted residence to Mbaguta Village. However, during the hearing of the complaint, he reportedly failed to produce convincing proof to back up his claim of residency in the area.
As a result, the Electoral Commission ruled that Mbwatekamwa did not meet the legal requirement of being “ordinarily resident” in Mbarara City or District as stated under Section 12(2)(b) of the Local Governments Act, Cap.138. The Commission also cited his non-compliance with Section 20(4) of the Electoral Commission Act, Cap.176, which guides eligibility for nomination to public office.
In a meeting held on October 2, 2025, the Commission concluded that his nomination as Mbarara City Mayor was irregular and therefore invalid. Justice Byabakama, in his communication, announced that the earlier decision by the Mbarara City Returning Officer to nominate Mbwatekamwa had been reversed.
This decision has sparked mixed reactions among political observers and supporters in Mbarara. Some residents say the ruling is a strong message that electoral laws must be respected by all candidates, while others see it as a political setback for Mbwatekamwa, who has been a notable figure in national politics.
With the 2026 general elections fast approaching, the disqualification has reshaped the Mbarara City mayoral race. Political analysts believe this development will open the door for new contenders while also serving as a reminder to politicians about the importance of transparency and compliance with electoral requirements.
