The High Court in Wakiso has set October 12, 2026, for the hearing of an election petition challenging the victory of Central Region Member of Parliament for older persons James Kakooza. Justice George Okello scheduled the trial for October 12, 13 and 14, beginning at 9:30 am, during a scheduling conference held on Thursday.
The parties are expected to present their witnesses and cross-examine them during the three-day hearing, although Justice Okello said the case could conclude by October 13 given the limited number of witnesses. The petition was filed by independent candidate Mary Ssendi, who contested against Kakooza in the January 2026 general elections and is seeking to have his election nullified.
Kakooza, a veteran National Resistance Movement (NRM) politician, polled 111 votes against Ssendi’s 50 in the special election conducted among older persons’ electoral colleges at Wakiso Resource Centre. The petition raises allegations of electoral irregularities and bribery, including claims that NRM Political Director and Electoral Commission Commissioner Ambassador James William Kinobe and NRM Deputy Secretary-General Rose Namayanja met delegates while allegedly acting on Kakooza’s behalf. Kakooza denies the allegations and says neither Kinobe nor Namayanja was his official agent.
A key issue likely to feature at the trial is whether the petition itself was properly filed and served. Kakooza’s lawyer, Apolo Katumba, argues that Ssendi failed to serve the petition within the mandatory period prescribed by law and that this renders the petition incompetent. The objection was previously raised in September, with the Electoral Commission supporting the defence position.
However, Justice Okello declined to determine the matter at the preliminary stage, saying it would require evidence from witnesses and should therefore be considered during the full hearing. The judge subsequently allowed the defence to file affidavits from witnesses on the issue and directed that they be served on Ssendi.
The court has framed five issues for determination, including whether the election was conducted in accordance with electoral laws and, if there was non-compliance, whether it substantially affected the result. The court will also consider whether Kakooza committed any electoral offences or illegal practices, personally or through conduct carried out with his knowledge, consent or approval.
Ssendi, represented by lawyer Sylvester Nyiiro, is expected to call three witnesses, including herself, while Kakooza will testify and present three additional witnesses. The Electoral Commission is expected to call two witnesses. Kakooza’s petition is among several election disputes arising from the January 2026 elections currently before Justice Okello at the Wakiso High Court-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
