The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Election Disputes Tribunal has commenced hearings into 381 petitions arising from the party’s recent parliamentary primaries, held on July 17, 2025.

This stemmed from by President Yoweri Museveni’s directive to resolve internal disputes ahead of the 2026 general elections.

According to a cause list released on July 29, the tribunal has scheduled 52 cases per day in a bid to efficiently handle the large backlog of complaints.

Speaking to the press, Enoch Barata, head of the NRM Legal Department, said the tribunal is operating through eight panels, each comprising three legal professionals, including senior lawyers and tribunal members.

“The Chairman of the Tribunal has released a schedule dividing cases into days and time slots to manage hearings effectively,” Barata said.

He added that 29 senior legal experts, including the tribunal chairperson, are involved in the process.

The multi-panel structure is intended to fast-track the petitions, many of which involve allegations of voter bribery, violence, ballot stuffing, and irregularities in tallying.

Under the NRM’s internal electoral regulations, the tribunal is expected to deliver rulings within seven days from the date of each hearing. Mr. Barata, however, noted that in cases where this deadline cannot be met, the tribunal is obligated to inform the concerned parties and provide a new ruling timeline.

The tribunal’s operations are taking place against the backdrop of a widening investigation into alleged electoral malpractice.

Several NRM officials, including the Namutumba District registrar, were arrested last week over suspected involvement in election-related violence and irregularities during the July 24 primaries for district chairperson (LCV) flag bearers.

Police confirmed the arrests but declined to comment on how the detentions might affect ongoing tribunal proceedings. However, legal observers say the absence of key election officials could potentially delay certain hearings if their testimonies or documentation are required.

The tribunal’s rulings will be instrumental in determining the final list of NRM parliamentary flag bearers for the 2026 elections and are being closely watched by both party members and political analysts.

With mounting pressure to deliver fair and timely decisions, the tribunal’s ability to manage the growing caseload while upholding procedural integrity is expected to shape perceptions of transparency and internal democracy within the ruling party.

The NRM Electoral Commission has not yet commented on whether the arrests will lead to broader disciplinary actions or adjustments to the primaries timetable.