Aspirant Jackson Bakoko Fails to Meet NRM Nomination Requirements Amid Controversy

By Hason Mutunzi Bwambale | Kampala 

Drama and uncertainty surrounded the nomination process for Kasese Municipality over the weekend as Jackson Bakoko, one of the aspirants vying for the NRM ticket, failed to meet the required criteria to be successfully nominated.

According to sources within the NRM Electoral Commission, Bakoko’s nomination was declined due to incomplete academic documentation, specifically the absence of certified Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) papers — a key requirement for anyone seeking political office under the party’s guidelines.

Speaking to this publication on condition of anonymity, a senior official at the NRM Secretariat confirmed that Bakoko’s name still exists on the official party register and that allegations of tampering with his membership were unfounded.

“Bakoko is a registered member of the party. His name is intact in our system and no deletion has ever been effected,” the source said. “The challenge arose because he failed to submit all the mandatory certified academic documents, which is a non-negotiable requirement for nomination.”

However, in a separate interview earlier this week, Bakoko claimed that his failure to be nominated was orchestrated by an “invisible hand” within the party — specifically pointing fingers at incumbent Kasese Municipality MP, Ferigo Kambale, who he alleged used his influence to frustrate his candidacy. Bakoko further alleged that the interference was politically motivated, citing family ties between himself and the incumbent.

“There is no genuine reason why my nomination should be blocked. This is the work of an invisible hand determined to keep me out of the race,” Bakoko told supporters in a brief statement on Friday.

Despite repeated efforts to secure a formal comment from Bakoko for this story, his known phone numbers remained unavailable. His aides declined to speak on the record, citing the “emotional toll” of the setback on their candidate.

As the nomination process enters its final stretch, party officials have reiterated that only those who fulfill all stipulated requirements will be cleared to contest.

“This process is being handled with the utmost fairness,” another insider at the NRM Electoral Commission said. “We understand the frustrations of some aspirants, but rules must be followed to protect the integrity of the party.”

Bakoko’s supporters have expressed disappointment, with some urging him to seek legal redress or lodge a formal petition with the NRM Secretariat. Others, however, are calling for calm and encouraging a peaceful resolution of the matter.

With more aspirants from Kasese Municipality—such as Kithulha Francis Mugisa, Nassuna Maria Diana, and Doug Saturday—already cleared to proceed, the field is quickly shaping up for a high-stakes internal contest within the ruling party.