Politics 1 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Election Petition Challenges Baryomunsi's Win in Kinkizi East Over Voter Irregularities
Sam Arinaitwe Kajojo, Kanungu District chairperson and independent candidate, has petitioned the Rukungiri High Court to nullify ICT Minister Dr Chris Baryomunsi's victory in the Kinkizi East parliamentary race, citing voter intimidation, ballot stuffing, and result tampering. Kajojo seeks a fresh poll with biometric verification after losing narrowly to Baryomunsi, who secured 52.2% of the votes. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/baryomunsi-s-election-victory-challenged-in-court-over-alleged-irregularities-5409802
Sam Arinaitwe Kajojo, the current Kanungu District chairperson running as an independent, has launched a legal challenge against Dr Chris Baryomunsi’s declaration as the winner of the Kinkizi East parliamentary seat.
Kajojo alleges the January elections were tainted by serious flaws, including intimidation of voters, collusion with officials to alter result forms, and ballot stuffing. These issues, he claims, undermined the final outcome.
Baryomunsi, the NRM candidate and ICT and National Guidance Minister, won with 23,830 votes (52.2%). Kajojo received 20,739 votes (45%), in a field of eight candidates. Of 45,631 total votes cast, 737 were rejected and 87 spoilt.
The petition, filed on March 31 at Rukungiri High Court through lawyers from Alaka & Co Advocates and Ochieng Associated Advocates, names Baryomunsi and the Electoral Commission as respondents. It demands the election’s cancellation and a new vote using biometric voter kits.
Kanungu District Returning Officer David Mukundane stated the Electoral Commission is ready to defend its stance. Attempts to reach Baryomunsi for comment failed.
The case awaits scheduling after service of papers and defences.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)