Judiciary Faces Funding Crisis, Stalling 118 Election Petitions

The Ugandan Judiciary is reportedly in a dire financial situation, which has halted the hearing of 118 election petitions stemming from the January 2026 general elections. This financial constraint jeopardizes the adherence to legally mandated timelines for resolving electoral disputes.

Sources within the Judiciary have indicated that the institution has been awaiting funds from the Ministry of Finance for over a month. These funds are crucial for enabling judges across the country to hear parliamentary and Local Council election petitions filed at the High Court.

It is understood that the Judiciary’s proposed budget for these hearings was removed from the ministerial policy statement. This action was reportedly taken on the grounds that the exact number of petitions could not be predetermined, making the budget allocation speculative.

Despite pleas from the Judiciary to receive at least a portion of the required funds to commence proceedings, with the remainder to be provided later, these requests have not been met. The Parliamentary Elections Act stipulates that the High Court must conclude its examination and determination of parliamentary election petitions within six months of their filing. Appeals proceed to the Court of Appeal.

With over a month having already passed without any hearings commencing, anxiety is mounting among litigants and their legal representatives, who are keen to know when the judicial process will begin. The Judiciary spokesperson, James Ereemye Mawanda, confirmed the readiness to proceed but highlighted the budget constraints, stressing the urgency of the funding.

While the Ministry of Finance stated that funds are released quarterly and entities are expected to manage their activities accordingly, the Judiciary awaits disbursement. Professor Justice Andrew Khaukha noted that the 118 petitions comprise 107 for parliamentary seats and 11 for Local Council positions, including several high-profile cases involving prominent political figures.

The ongoing delay in hearing these petitions intensifies concerns regarding the Judiciary’s capacity to meet statutory deadlines and ensure the prompt resolution of electoral challenges.

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