Lwengo District Woman Member of Parliament Cissy Dionozia Namujju has asked the High Court to dismiss a petition challenging her election victory, arguing that it was served outside the statutory deadline.
Namujju, through her lawyer Kandeebe Ntambirweki, told the court presided over by Justice Rosette Comfort Kania that the petition was served two days after the deadline and was therefore incompetent.
The petition was filed by former independent candidate Dr Sarah Nkonge Muwonge, who is challenging Namujju’s election on allegations of widespread voter bribery and noncompliance with electoral laws by the Electoral Commission.
Nkonge alleges that Namujju and her campaign agents bribed voters with branded tents, yellow plastic chairs, hoes and money during the campaign period and on polling day in exchange for their support. In her affidavits, Nkonge attached photographs and video recordings showing various campaign events in which Namujju addressed voters and allegedly distributed the items.
However, at the hearing, Namujju’s lawyer raised a preliminary objection to the petition, arguing that it was not served within the time prescribed by law. Ntambirweki told the court that the statutory deadline for serving parliamentary election petitions was March 16, but that Namujju only received a copy through WhatsApp on March 17, sent by a third party.
He asked Justice Kania to dismiss the petition, arguing that compliance with statutory timelines is mandatory and that failure to meet them renders an election petition incompetent. Nkonge’s lawyer, Moses Kabega, opposed the application, arguing that Namujju had deliberately evaded service in an attempt to frustrate the hearing of the petition.
Kabega told the court that despite Namujju’s alleged efforts to avoid service, the petition was served on her personal assistant, who signed an acknowledgement of receipt within the statutory timeframe. He further argued that Namujju was attempting to prevent the court from examining the alleged electoral irregularities by relying on what he described as technicalities.
The High Court has since concluded the oral hearing of evidence in the petition. Justice Kania directed the parties to file their final written submissions by October 3, 2026, before delivering her ruling on October 13, 2026-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
