The High Court sitting at the Civil Division has issued an interim order restraining the Electoral Commission (EC) from making any alterations to the National Unity Platform (NUP) political party register until further notice.
The ruling, delivered on June 13, 2025, by Justice Simon Peter Kinobe, came in response to a miscellaneous application (HCT-00-CV-MA-0452 of 2025) arising from a civil suit filed last year. The application was brought by five individuals: Simbwa Paul Kagombe, Nkonge Moses Kibalama, Luyinda Moses, Omory Den Wilbert, and Kasirye Joseph Emmanuel. The five are contesting current developments within the party and are seeking judicial intervention to stop further administrative changes.
The respondents in the matter include the National Unity Platform itself, along with party president Robert Kyagulanyi Sentamu (also known as Bobi Wine), Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya, party spokesperson Joel Ssenyonyi, mobilizer Fred Nyanzi Sentamu, and National Youth Coordinator Benjamin Katana. The Electoral Commission was also listed as a respondent.
During Friday’s court session, the applicants were represented by counsel Deus Byamugisha, while the first to sixth respondents were represented by counsel Jonathan Eiotu. Counsel for the Electoral Commission did not appear for the proceedings.
The court directed that the status quo of the NUP register at the Electoral Commission be preserved pending the hearing and determination of the main application for a temporary injunction. This effectively halts any additions or modifications to the party’s official register at the EC.
The ruling is a significant development in the ongoing internal disputes within NUP, the country’s leading opposition party. The main application is expected to be heard in the coming weeks.
The order was signed and sealed by Registrar Kintu Simon Zirintusa.