Former Bushenyi–Ishaka Municipality parliamentary aspirant Casbart Tukundane has said he will not challenge the recent election results in court, despite what he describes as glaring irregularities that could warrant annulment.
Tukundane, who came second in the fiercely contested 15 January 2026 parliamentary election, lost to Iddi Basajabalaba, son of business tycoon Dr Hajj Hassan Bassajabalaba. Speaking to the media during NRM Liberation Day celebrations yesterday, Tukundane said he had deliberately chosen restraint for the sake of party unity.
While congratulating President Yoweri Museveni and the National Resistance Movement (NRM) on marking 40 years in power, Tukundane described the milestone as “an age of transformation, peace and prosperity for Uganda.”
He revealed that although the election was marred by what he termed serious irregularities—which, in his view, could lead to the election being overturned—he had opted not to seek redress in court.
“I have credible evidence of electoral malpractice, but I have chosen not to go to court for the good of the NRM, a party I believe in and support,” Tukundane said.
Tukundane previously contested and lost the NRM Bushenyi District Chairmanship to Dr Hajj Hassan Bassajabalaba, who currently serves as the NRM Chairperson for the Entrepreneurship League and Bushenyi District. Following that loss, Tukundane petitioned the NRM tribunal, unsuccessfully challenging Bassajabalaba’s victory.
After the tribunal ruling, he went on to declare his bid for Bushenyi–Ishaka Municipality Member of Parliament, running as an independent candidate with NRM leanings.
A Kampala-based young entrepreneur, Tukundane first entered active politics in 2015. He now says he has allowed Iddi Basajabalaba to serve his term uninterrupted, citing the need for political stability and cohesion within the ruling party.
What Next for Casbart Tukundane?
Although he has not formally declared his next political move, Tukundane disclosed to this publication that he is consulting widely on a possible bid for the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA).
He noted that several Members of Parliament have approached and encouraged him to contest for the regional legislature, a move he says he is seriously considering. The current term of EALA legislators is expected to end in 2025, setting the stage for fresh elections.
“I am consulting, and if the circumstances are right, I may take up the challenge,” Tukundane said.
This news site will keep you posted on this story as many are expected to go for the 9 EALA seats which will fall vacant in 2027