The Electoral Commission has confirmed Jacqueline Mbabazi a wife to former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi as unopposed for the Western Region Older Persons Parliamentary seat, sealing her return to active politics after months of petitions, repeat elections, and party drama.
The declaration follows a successful petition by Jackson Tuhayire, a voter from Rwampara, who challenged the nomination of Patrick Kyamukate Mutabwire.
According to Tuhayire, Mutabwire failed to meet the required number of supporters needed for nomination a violation the Electoral Commission later upheld. With his nomination invalidated, Jacqueline automatically became the sole eligible candidate.
This development caps a tense internal NRM process that saw Jacqueline and Mutabwire face off repeatedly. After her initial win on August 26 was annulled by the NRM Election Disputes Tribunal over procedural irregularities, a repeat poll was ordered. In that rerun, she defeated Mutabwire with 229 votes to 176, reaffirming her strength within the party.
Despite Mutabwire’s plans to appear on the national ballot, Tuhayire’s petition revealed his failure to collect constitutionally required signatures from older persons in the region a “fundamental violation,” according to the petitioner. The Electoral Commission’s verification confirmed the lapse, leaving Jacqueline as the only qualified contender.
With no rival left, the Commission officially declared her unopposed, effectively handing her the seat.
Throughout her campaign, Jacqueline has championed elderly welfare, vowing to push for better healthcare access, stronger social protection systems, and safeguards against land grabbing.
“Our senior citizens deserve dignity, security, and proper healthcare, I Iam committed to ensuring they live productive and respected lives.”,.she said after winning the repeat NRM election
Her agenda includes expanding community health outreach, strengthening SACCOs for the elderly, and reinforcing laws that protect land and property rights.
Jacqueline Mbabazi now heads to Parliament unchallenged marking a notable political comeback and a major win for the ruling NRM.
