The High Court in Arua will deliver its judgment electronically in the Maracha County parliamentary election petition, with Justice Celia Nagawa directing that the decision be sent to the parties by email not later than November 2, 2026. Justice Nagawa announced after the court concluded the hearing of the petition on Tuesday following nearly eight hours of cross-examination of witnesses presented by the petitioner and respondents.
The lawyers began cross-examining witnesses at midday and continued until 7:51 pm before the judge closed the hearing. The petition was filed by former Maracha County MP Oguzu Lee Denis, who contested the January parliamentary election on the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) ticket.
Oguzu is seeking to nullify the election of Nelson Uhuru, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidate, alleging that Uhuru, directly and through his agents and supporters, violated Electoral Commission guidelines and bribed voters through donations of money and other items.
Of the nine witnesses presented by the petitioner, five, including Oguzu himself, were cross-examined. Only two witnesses presented by the first respondent, Uhuru, were cross-examined by lawyers representing the petitioner. They included Uhuru and his father, Embatia Saverino.
The cross-examination largely focused on allegations of voter bribery during the campaign and election period. The allegations were repeatedly challenged on grounds that there was insufficient evidence to support them. Uhuru and his father denied the allegations. Uhuru told the court that he concentrated on his campaign while complying with Electoral Commission guidelines, while Embatia denied participating in the campaign.
Shortly after the hearing, Oguzu told Uganda Radio Network (URN) that he had observed challenges in translating the evidence of witnesses who did not understand English, which he said affected the interpretation of their testimony. He maintained that the affidavits filed in court contained sufficient evidence to support his allegations of voter bribery against Uhuru, which he said amounted to violations of the Constitution and the Parliamentary Elections Act.
Rinato Kania of Kania and Ali Advocates, one of the lawyers representing Uhuru, said the case had progressed smoothly despite the limited time available for hearing election petitions. He said the parties had also harmonised their positions to comply with the court’s guidance and ensure the petition proceeded within the prescribed timelines.
Meanwhile, Maracha District Election Officer and Returning Officer Munduga Kennedy was cross-examined as a witness for the Electoral Commission, the second respondent. Munduga told the court that any alleged electoral offence would be reported to the Electoral Offences Desk at the Uganda Police Force for investigation. With the oral hearing concluded, the parties are now required to file written submissions in support of their respective cases before judgment.
Justice Nagawa directed Oguzu to file his submissions by September 28, 2026, followed by the respondents’ submissions by October 6. The petitioner will then file a rejoinder by October 8 to assist the court in determining the petition. Justice Nagawa said judgment will be delivered electronically and served on the parties by email not later than November 2, 2026-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
