Leaked Audio Sparks Controversy Over Nyamutoro’s Unopposed Victory in Nebbi
A leaked audio recording has ignited a political firestorm and allegations of sabotage surrounding the unopposed parliamentary win of Phiona Nyamutoro in the Nebbi constituency. The controversy centers on the nullification of her main rival’s nomination, a move the National Unity Platform (NUP) claims was orchestrated.
The 2-minute, 38-second audio clip, shared publicly by journalist Tabz, purportedly captures Nyamutoro discussing strategies to secure an unopposed victory by ensuring no valid challenger emerges. In the recording, she can be heard referencing electoral rules that allow a candidate to run alone if their opponents’ nominations are disqualified.
This leak comes just days after the Electoral Commission (EC) nullified the nomination of Nyamutoro’s main rival, Mercy Rebecca Abedican, also of the NUP. The decision was based on claims that two of Abedican’s nominators, including a local NRM leader, denied endorsing her candidacy and presented evidence of their loyalty to the ruling party.
The NUP has condemned the sequence of events as a deliberate act of political sabotage. In a statement, the party alleged that the nullification was pre-planned, pointing to the leaked audio and what they describe as “promises made to rivals” as proof of a coordinated effort to eliminate competition.
“The hypocrisy is glaring,” one social media user commented, a sentiment echoed by many netizens online who have expressed outrage over the incident. The situation has raised broader concerns about democratic processes, with reports indicating at least seven NRM candidates have also been declared unopposed in various constituencies across the country.
As of now, Phiona Nyamutoro has not publicly responded to the leaked audio or the allegations made by the NUP and the public. The incident casts a shadow over her uncontested election, turning what is typically a ceremonial victory into a subject of intense scrutiny and debate.
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