Politics 2 April 2026 The Observer (Uganda)
High Court Petition Challenges Mao's Laroo-Pece MP Victory Amid Irregularity Claims
Tonny Kitara has filed a petition in Gulu's High Court contesting Justice Minister Norbert Mao's election as MP for Laroo-Pece Division, citing multiple electoral malpractices in the January 2026 polls. Kitara accuses Mao and the Electoral Commission of violations that he says tainted the results, seeking to nullify the win and order a fresh poll. Source: https://observer.ug/news/minister-maos-election-as-laroo-pece-mp-challenged-in-high-court
A legal challenge has been lodged in the High Court in Gulu against Norbert Mao’s victory as MP for Laroo-Pece Division. Petitioner Tonny Kitara claims the January 2026 election was marred by serious irregularities.
Mao, the Democratic Party candidate, secured 7,359 votes to defeat Kitara’s 2,867. Other contenders included Charles Onen (5,562 votes), Geoffrey Komakech (236), Simon Opoka (318), Wilfred Opobo (207), and Samuel George Okello (65), with 793 invalid votes.
Kitara alleges Mao breached campaign rules by entering restricted zones like Lawiyeadul Ward and holding late-night radio spots on stations such as Mega FM past permitted hours. He also accuses Mao of disrupting his Agwee Ward rally and using state vehicles with police for campaigning.
Further claims involve Electoral Commission bias, with an official allegedly issuing voter slips at Mao’s event, alongside voter bribery like distributing Shs 150,000 to a women’s group leader. Kitara points to false statements by Mao about rival endorsements and Museveni support.
The petitioner demands the court void Mao’s win, declare the poll unlawful, and mandate a rerun, plus costs. Summons require responses from Mao and the Commission within 10 days.
Mao dismissed the suit on X, hinting it ties to his speakership ambitions: “I don’t fight dogs. I fight their owners.”
No hearing date is set as the petition deadline closes today, April 2, 2026.
Source: The Observer (Uganda)