The Judiciary says it is in the final stages of preparing to hear 118 election petitions arising from Uganda’s 2026 parliamentary and local government elections, as pressure mounts to determine the disputes within strict constitutional timelines. Chief Registrar Agnes Alum said administrative arrangements are being finalized by judges in the various High Court circuits before hearing schedules are released.
Speaking during a media briefing at the Supreme Court in Kampala on Wednesday, Alum acknowledged growing public interest in the election cases and assured litigants that the Judiciary was mindful of the legal deadlines governing election petitions.
She said judges are currently organizing how the petitions will be allocated and heard, adding that parties would soon be notified once the schedules are finalized. Election petitions are among the most time-sensitive cases handled by the courts because the law requires them to be concluded within prescribed timelines to avoid prolonged uncertainty over elected offices.
According to the Judiciary, 118 petitions have so far been filed challenging the outcomes of the 2026 parliamentary and local government elections. The cases will test the Judiciary’s ability to dispose of election disputes within the strict timelines prescribed by law.
Some of the high-profile cases include a petition by Mawokota North MP Dr. Hilderman challenging the election of former Trade Minister Amelia Kyambadde; former Rushenyi County MP Mwesigwa Rukaari’s challenge against Christopher Bakashaba in Mbarara; and former Tororo District Woman MP Sarah Opendi’s petition contesting the victory of Angella Akoth.
Similarly, Birungi Kobusingye petitioned against NUP’s Harriet Nakwedde and the Electoral Commission in a case filed at the High Court in Mukono over the Kayunga District Woman MP results. In the Masaka High Court circuit, Rose Nalubowa is challenging the victory of NRM’s Justine Nameere as City Woman MP, while Muwonge Nkoko is challenging the election of incumbent Lwengo District Woman MP Cissy Namujju Dionizia, with the Electoral Commission named as a co-respondent.
Ruth Katushabe’s victory as Bukomansimbi District Woman MP is also being challenged by Grace Nalubega. In Ssembabule, incumbent Woman MP Mary Begumisa is challenging the victory of Florence Nambazira. Other cases include a petition challenging the victory of State Minister Esther Davinia Anyakun in Moroto High Court, filed by Lilly Lapowa.
Masaka and Moroto High Court circuits are handling a significant portion of the cases, with Iganga and Lira also managing multiple petitions against candidates and election officials. Under the Parliamentary Elections Act, the High Court is required to determine election petitions within strict timelines after all parties have filed their responses.
Asked whether sufficient funds had been released to facilitate the hearings, Alum declined to comment, saying the management of election petitions falls under the office of the Principal Judge. Beyond election disputes, Alum said the Judiciary was strengthening internal accountability by intensifying investigations into allegations of corruption and misconduct involving judicial officers.
She said the Inspectorate of Courts and the disciplinary committee are actively handling complaints and taking disciplinary action where wrongdoing is established. However, she appealed to members of the public to support investigations by providing credible evidence instead of making general allegations.
On concerns about delays in processing bail applications in magistrates’ courts, Alum clarified that suspects are entitled to make oral bail applications before lower courts and should not be subjected to unnecessary procedural delays.
She attributed complaints about late hearing of fresh cases largely to heavy court workloads and case management challenges, adding that the Judiciary would engage judicial officers on improving docket management and communication with court users.
Alum also said the Judiciary would investigate complaints by journalists who alleged they had been denied access to proceedings in politically sensitive cases. She disclosed that the Judiciary is finalising Media and Court Reporting Guidelines alongside a nationwide media accreditation programme intended to improve cooperation between court officials and journalists while promoting accurate court reporting.
The Chief Registrar also highlighted ongoing judicial reforms, including expansion of the Electronic Court Case Management Information System (ECCMIS), increased use of virtual hearings, deployment of artificial intelligence-assisted judgment writing and transcription tools, and recruitment of additional judicial officers and support staff to improve case disposal.
She further announced that the annual High Court and Magistrates’ Court vacation runs from July 15 to August 15, while the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal will recess throughout August. Court registries, however, will remain open to receive new cases as judicial officers use the period to write pending judgments and rulings-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
