The High Court in Mbale has concluded the hearing of an election petition challenging the victory of Bungokho North Member of Parliament Shafiga Wanyenya.
The two-day hearing ended on October 7, 2026, after lawyers for both sides completed the cross-examination of witnesses they presented before court.
The petition was filed by former legislator Johnfaith Magolo, who contested the 2026 parliamentary election as an independent candidate, challenging the victory of Wanyenya, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidate.
Magolo’s petition raised several grounds, including allegations that votes were cast in the names of deceased persons. He also alleged that some votes were improperly included in the final results and had earlier asked the court to order a recount.
However, during the hearing, the petitioner did not present documents such as voter registers or death certificates to support the allegation that deceased persons’ names were used to cast ballots.
The court also heard testimony concerning alleged violence and interference at some polling stations. Several polling agents told the court that they were allegedly forced to leave the stations before voting had officially closed.
The defence disputed the petitioner’s evidence, including police reports that the respondents alleged had been fabricated or forged.
Eddy Nangulu, counsel for Wanyenya, said the defence had challenged the petitioner’s evidence and maintained that his client was validly elected.
“The hearing of the evidence in the petition has been concluded today. Whatever evidence that was presented, we have challenged extensively and shown that she, Shafiga Wanyenya, rightfully and lawfully won the election,” Nangulu said.
Nangulu said the court would now proceed to prepare its judgment and would notify the parties when they are required to return for the ruling.
Magolo is represented by lawyers Bosco Okiror and Alfred Madaba Latigo, while Nangulu represents Wanyenya. Anne Mary Tusingwire, the Mbale District Returning Officer, is also a respondent, representing the Electoral Commission-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
