State Minister for Energy and Mineral Development Phiona Nyamutoro, who currently serves as the National Youth MP and is the wife of musician Eddy Kenzo, has secured the Nebbi District Woman MP seat without facing an opponent. This followed the Electoral Commission’s decision to nullify the nomination of her only challenger, Abedican Mercy Rebecca of the National Unity Platform (NUP).
Why Abedican Mercy’s Nomination Was Cancelled
Earlier this month, two individuals—Ongiera Godfrey and Bediic Jimmy—petitioned the Electoral Commission (EC), accusing Abedican Mercy of forging their signatures during her nomination process. They stated in sworn affidavits that she had used their names and signatures without their consent and falsely claimed they were registered Nebbi District voters supporting her candidacy.
According to the EC chairperson, Justice Simon Byabakama, both men personally appeared before the Commission and strongly denied signing Mercy’s nomination forms.
During cross-examination, Ongiera further proved that he is a member of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and therefore would not have endorsed a candidate from NUP, strengthening the case against Abedican Mercy.
Why the Electoral Commission Rejected Her Defence
When Abedican Mercy Rebecca was invited to respond to the allegations, the Commission found her explanation insufficient. She failed to provide proof to counter the claims that she had forged signatures.
As a result, the EC concluded that she did not meet the legal requirements for nomination under Section 28(1)(c) of the Parliamentary Elections Act, which requires candidates to present valid supporters’ signatures.
After reviewing the matter in its meeting on 7 November 2025, the Commission ruled that Abedican Mercy was ineligible for nomination. This upheld the earlier decision by the Nebbi District Returning Officer.
With her only competitor disqualified, Phiona Nyamutoro was officially declared elected unopposed as Nebbi District Woman MP.
Nyamutoro joins more than 16 other MPs—mostly aligned with the NRM—who have so far gone through unopposed ahead of the 12th Parliament. The most prominent among them are Speaker Anita Among and Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa.
