KAMPALA, Uganda — The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Electoral Commission has disqualified Fiona Nakku from the race for the National Female Youth Member of Parliament flag bearer position, citing her ineligibility due to age.
A letter signed by the party’s Electoral Commission chairperson, Dr. Tanga Odoi, confirmed Nakku’s disqualification after receiving multiple petitions challenging her age.
One petition, filed by lawyer Aaron Amanya, alleged that Nakku, born on December 20, 1994, is 31 years old and thus falls outside the constitutional youth age bracket of 18 to 30.
The NRM Electoral Commission stated that it received confirmation from the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) that Nakku is over the age limit for youth council and related positions.
Records from the Ministry of Internal Affairs were also cited, showing that she sat for her Senior Four examinations in 2010 at the age of 16.
Both the National Youth Council Act and the Parliamentary Elections Act stipulate that candidates for youth parliamentary seats must be between 18 and 30 years old.
Age-related disputes are a common occurrence in youth leadership races. In 2021, Chris Mufakinanye, known as Omujujuguju, successfully petitioned against Blaise Kamugisha, who had sought to contest for the NRM Youth League chairperson position.
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Omujujuguju was also among the individuals who petitioned for Nakku’s recent disqualification.
Nakku, who is reportedly the sister of NRM treasurer Babra Nekesa, was a frontrunner in the contest. She had already invested a considerable amount in campaign materials, including billboards and posters displayed across the country.
Her disqualification leaves the race largely between Diana Kampe Ampaire and Mercy Kanyesigye, who are considered to have the strongest support among the delegates.
Nakku previously contested the 2021 Busia District Woman MP race, where she was defeated by Hellen Wandera.
