Politics 1 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Court Challenge Targets Sodo's Academic Credentials and Mawogola North Election Victory
John Jet Tumwebaze, the runner-up in Mawogola North, has filed a petition against NRM's Godfrey Aine Kaguta (Sodo) and the Electoral Commission, alleging Sodo lacks required academic qualifications and the election involved irregularities like voter intimidation and bribery. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/sodo-s-academic-qualifications-challenged-in-court-5409772
John Jet Tumwebaze, who ran as an independent in the Mawogola North parliamentary race, has taken Godfrey Aine Kaguta—known as Sodo, brother of President Museveni—and the Electoral Commission to the Masaka High Court. He seeks to nullify Sodo’s win, claiming the NRM candidate does not meet the academic standards for a legislator.
Tumwebaze’s lawyer, John Lutalo, states that no valid academic documents were found for Sodo. The certificate used for nomination reportedly bears different names from those submitted to the EC. The petition also highlights election flaws, including voter intimidation, agent kidnappings, beatings by armed men, bribery, and missing results from some polling stations.
Voter John Luzunzu’s affidavit supports these claims, noting omitted tallies and efforts to boost turnout undermined by intimidation. Returning officer Gracious Aryaija faces accusations of mismanaging the process.
Sodo secured 15,923 votes, Tumwebaze 6,955, with Angela Kigonya (DP) at 274 and John Ezra Twine at 42.
Lutalo expressed confidence in securing justice for Mawogola North voters.
Source: Daily Monitor