The High Court in Luwero has set November 6 and 10, 2026, for rulings in two election petitions challenging the victories of Luwero District Woman MP Brenda Nabukenya and Nakaseke District Woman MP Sarah Najjuma.
Justice Emmy Vincent Mugabo set November 10 for the ruling in a petition filed by National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate Esther Nakawooya, who is challenging Najjuma’s victory in the Nakaseke District Woman MP election.
Najjuma was declared the winner with 56,151 votes, defeating Nakawooya, who polled 28,995 votes.
Nakawooya petitioned court alleging several irregularities, including ballot stuffing, multiple voting, questionable 100 per cent voter turnout at some polling stations and alteration of results in favour of Najjuma.
During a hearing before Justice Mugabo, Nakawooya’s lawyer, Caleb Alaka, told court that the parties had agreed on the facts and issues for determination. The parties also agreed not to call witnesses and instead rely on documentary evidence and written submissions.
Lawyers representing Najjuma and the Electoral Commission, Asuman Basaalirwa and Armstrong Basiime respectively, agreed to the arrangement.
Justice Mugabo directed Nakawooya to file her submissions by October 10, followed by responses from the respondents by October 20 and rejoinders by October 23.
The ruling will be delivered electronically through the Electronic Court Case Management Information System (ECCMIS).
Speaking to journalists after the proceedings, Nakawooya said she had initially listed 30 witnesses whom she intended to summon and cross-examine but agreed to proceed by way of written submissions.
She said she had substantial evidence showing that election results were altered and would present the evidence through her submissions.
Najjuma, however, accused Nakawooya of misleading court and pointed to the wide margin between their vote totals. She asked court to award her substantial costs, arguing that the petition had unnecessarily consumed judicial time.
Justice Mugabo also set November 6 for the ruling in a separate petition filed by former Youth MP Agnes Kirabo challenging Nabukenya’s election as Luwero District Woman MP.
The date was agreed upon after lawyers representing the parties, including Caleb Alaka for Nabukenya, Ismael Kibirige for Kirabo and Nasser Sserunjogi, agreed to proceed through written submissions.
The lawyers agreed on four issues for determination: whether there was non-compliance with the requirements governing parliamentary elections; whether the affidavits were properly filed; whether there was a valid cause of action; and what remedies, if any, are available to the parties.
Nabukenya told court that she was ready to proceed with the written submissions and accused Kirabo of basing her petition on an altered declaration of results form.
She said her legal team would address the allegations by relying on the facts and evidence before court.
Kirabo, however, maintained that the documents presented to court had been certified by the Electoral Commission. She asked court to rely on the certified documents and declare her the rightful winner, maintaining that she had been cheated in the election.
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