Politics 10 September 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Five Judges Appointed to Adjudicate 21 Election Petitions in Masaka
The Masaka High Court circuit has deployed five judges to handle an intensive caseload of 21 election petitions stemming from the January 2026 General Election. These petitions are expected to be resolved within a two-month timeframe. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/five-judges-deployed-to-handle-21-election-petitions-in-masaka-5591062
The Masaka High Court circuit is set to address 21 election petitions following the recent General Election, with five judges specifically assigned to the task. This significant number of petitions underscores Masaka, which includes nine districts and a city, as one of the regions with the highest number of electoral disputes.
According to Roy Karungi, the Deputy Registrar of Masaka High Court, the assigned judges are Lady Justice Joyce Kavuma, Lady Justice Rosette Comfort Kania, Justice Benard Namanya, Lady Justice Christine Akello, and Justice Tomas Ochaya. A preliminary pretrial conference is scheduled for September 14 and 15, where 16 petitions will be initially addressed, with the remaining five following shortly after.
Four courtrooms have been designated to accommodate the judges and facilitate the proceedings, which are anticipated to conclude within two months. The petitioners are challenging the election outcomes on various grounds, citing widespread irregularities.
Among the notable cases is the petition filed by Justine Nameere, the incumbent Masaka City Woman MP and State Minister for Local Government, against National Unity Platform’s (NUP) Rose Nalubowa. Nalubowa is contesting Nameere’s victory, which was declared after a vote recount ordered by a magistrate, asserting that she had initially won the election.
Other petitions involve disputes in districts such as Kalungu, where State Minister for Water Aisha Ssekindi is being challenged, and Kalungu West and East constituencies. Cases also originate from Bukomansimbi, Sembabule, Rakai, and Lwengo districts.
Masaka High Court Deputy Registrar Roy Karungi encouraged journalists to maintain professionalism throughout the hearing of these critical cases. The court’s swift and fair resolution of these petitions is crucial for the integrity of the electoral process in the region.