Mukono High Court has commenced proceedings in a series of election petitions filed by NRM candidates challenging the victories of NUP incumbents in Mukono, with the petitioners alleging electoral irregularities and breaches of electoral laws. Three judges — Justice Godfrey Himbaza, Lady Justice Flavia Lamuno and Justice Philip Mwaka — are presiding over the different petitions arising from the recent elections.
Security was heightened at the court ahead of the proceedings, with police deploying patrols, roadblocks and checkpoints along roads leading to the court. People seeking access to the premises were subjected to questioning, while similar security measures were enforced within the court compound. Justice Himbaza started by guiding the parties through the preliminary stages of the petitions.
Among the cases before him is a petition filed by former Mukono North Member of Parliament Ronald Kibuule of the NRM, challenging the election of incumbent MP Abdullah Kiwanuka of the NUP. Kibuule is seeking a court-ordered recount of the votes. The substantive hearing of the petition is scheduled to begin on September 21, 2026.
Justice Himbaza is also handling a petition filed by NRM candidate Dr Sarah Daisy Nabatanzi Ssonko seeking to nullify the election of Mukono Municipality MP Betty Bakireke Nambooze of the NUP. Nambooze was not present in court when proceedings began. Counsel Aaron Buyinza of Crane Associated Advocates, representing Nabatanzi alongside Malik Kiberu, told journalists that they have lined up 35 witnesses to support their case.
The lawyers allege numerous electoral irregularities and non-compliance with electoral laws and want the court to nullify Nambooze’s election and order a by-election in Mukono Municipality. Nabatanzi also expressed concern over Nambooze’s absence from court, describing it as a possible sign of fear. Counsel Medard Lubega Ssegona, who represents both Nambooze and Kiwanuka, said his clients were ready for the substantive hearings.
Justice Philip Mwaka, meanwhile, commenced proceedings in a petition filed by Ntenjeru South MP Fred Baseke of the NRM against former MP Patrick Nsanja. Baseke’s lawyer, Ahmed Lule Mukasa, said the judge had directed the respondent’s side to present all their witnesses, with Baseke’s team expected to begin calling witnesses next week.
Lule also referred to allegations concerning alterations at 15 polling stations, insisting that the results relied upon by their side and the Electoral Commission are the correct ones. Kibuule welcomed the court’s decision to proceed with his petition and thanked the judiciary for what he described as timely scheduling. “We are ready,” Kibuule said.
The petitions are among a series of election disputes arising from the recent polls, with NRM candidates seeking to overturn victories secured by NUP candidates on allegations of electoral irregularities and breaches of electoral laws. The High Court is expected to proceed with the substantive hearings in the coming weeks-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
