The Judiciary has so far recorded 118 election petitions stemming from the 2026 parliamentary and local government elections and says it is fully prepared to handle the disputes within the timelines set by law.
Speaking to journalists at the Supreme Court in Kampala on Monday, Judiciary spokesperson James Ereemye Mawanda said the institution had anticipated an increase in election-related litigation and had already put in place measures to ensure efficient management of the cases.
According to Mawanda, the Judiciary recently conducted specialized training for Justices of the Court of Appeal, who are expected to hear appeals arising from decisions in election petition cases. He explained that the institution has already established the number of petitions filed and is currently allocating the resources required to process them.
“We have continued preparing for this exercise. We now know the volume of cases before us and are assigning the necessary resources to ensure they are handled effectively,” Mawanda said.
He noted that administrative arrangements are nearing completion and that hearings are expected to begin shortly. He reassured the public that the Judiciary remains on course to conclude all matters within the six-month period provided for under the law.
Mawanda urged Ugandans to remain patient and allow the courts to carry out their constitutional responsibility of resolving electoral disputes. He revealed that the Principal Judge, Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, has commenced the deployment of judges to different regions of the country to strengthen the handling of the petitions.
He dismissed concerns that judicial officers are deployed to particular stations for ulterior motives, emphasizing that assignments are based strictly on operational requirements and workload considerations.
“The suggestion that judges are posted to certain areas for specific interests is unfounded. These deployments are intended solely to facilitate the administration of justice. Judicial officers take an oath to perform their duties impartially and independently,” he said.
Mawanda further encouraged litigants dissatisfied with court rulings to utilize the established appellate process instead of questioning the integrity of judicial officers.
Responding to claims that election petitions are taking too long to commence, he said the Judiciary is following a structured process that involves planning, deployment of personnel, resource allocation and scheduling before hearings can begin.
“There is no delay. Every stage has to be undertaken systematically. We are now finalizing the preparatory processes and hearings will commence soon because these matters fall squarely within our mandate,” he explained.
He reiterated that concerns about expiring timelines are misplaced, stressing that the Judiciary remains committed to determining all cases within the statutory period.
On the regional spread of the petitions, Mawanda said the Masaka High Court circuit registered the highest number of election disputes, while some areas, including Bushenyi, did not record any petitions. He observed that the filings demonstrate citizens’ willingness to exercise their constitutional right to challenge election outcomes through the courts.
Among the high-profile petitions is one filed by Mawokota North MP Hillary Innocent Kiyaga, popularly known as Dr. Hilderman of the National Unity Platform (NUP). He is contesting the election victory of former Trade Minister Amelia Kyambadde and has also named the Electoral Commission as a respondent.
In western Uganda, Mbarara High Court is handling a petition filed by incumbent legislator Mwesigwa Robert Rukaari against businessman and politician Christopher Bakashaba, together with the Electoral Commission.
At Tororo High Court, Sarah Opendi Achieng has challenged the election of Angella Akoth, while in Mukono, Birungi Kobusingye is contesting the victory of NUP’s Harriet Nakwedde in the Kayunga District Woman MP race.
The Masaka circuit is also handling several petitions. These include a challenge by Rose Nalubowa against the election of City Woman MP Justine Nameere, a petition by Muwonge Nkoko against Lwengo District Woman MP Cissy Namujju Dionizia, and a case filed by Grace Nalubega contesting the victory of Bukomansimbi District Woman MP Ruth Katushabe. In Ssembabule, Mary Begumisa has challenged the election of Florence Nambazira.
Elsewhere, Lilly Lapowa has petitioned Moroto High Court seeking to overturn the election of State Minister Esther Davinia Anyakun.
Information compiled by the Electoral Commission shows that several constituencies have attracted multiple petitions, highlighting the highly competitive nature of the elections and the dissatisfaction of some candidates with the declared outcomes.
Masaka and Moroto account for a substantial share of the disputes, while courts in Iganga and Lira are also managing numerous election-related cases. The petitions raise a range of issues, including alleged electoral irregularities, disputed vote tallies, nomination concerns and accusations involving election officials.
Under the Parliamentary Elections Act, the High Court is required to determine election petitions within prescribed timelines, including within 30 days after all parties have filed their responses. While some petitioners seek fresh elections, others are asking the courts to nullify declared results and pronounce them the rightful winners.
The Judiciary is expected to announce hearing schedules once the remaining administrative preparations are completed.
For comparison, following the 2021 General Election, the Judiciary handled 160 election-related matters, including 102 parliamentary petitions, 49 cases involving Local Council chairpersons and nine election applications. Those cases were successfully disposed of by 32 judges within the required timeframes.
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