Politics 14 September 2026 Nile Post
Defence Lawyers Challenge Petitioner's Evidence in Kampala MP Election Case
Defence lawyers for Minsa Kabanda, the incumbent Kampala MP, have asked the High Court to dismiss certain evidence presented by petitioner Lewis Rubongoya. The defence argues that some of Rubongoya's complaints should have been handled by the Electoral Commission first. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/370719/defence-lawyers-seek-to-strike-out-some-of-lubongoyas-evidence-in-case-challenging-minsa-kabandas-victory
The legal battle challenging Minsa Kabanda’s victory as the Member of Parliament for Kampala Central is heating up at the High Court. Defence lawyers representing Kabanda have filed a motion seeking to strike out specific pieces of evidence submitted by the petitioner, Lewis Rubongoya of the National Unity Platform.
Rubongoya, the Secretary General of NUP, alleges that electoral irregularities tainted the election results. However, Kalali Steven, one of the lawyers for the defence, argued that some of the complaints raised in the petition are procedural matters that should have been addressed by the Electoral Commission before escalating to the courts.
“Some of the complaints in the petition are supposed to be handled by the Electoral Commission. You don’t have to burden the court with some prior nomination complaints that ought to go to the other side,” Kalali stated. He specifically pointed to issues concerning academic qualifications and nomination disputes, asserting these should have followed established electoral processes.
Furthermore, the defence has objected to a request for additional Declaration of Results forms. They contend that the court already possesses certified copies of these documents, which should be sufficient for adjudication. The defence team views the demand for more copies as an unnecessary delay tactic.
“Once we have certified the other forms, we don’t think there is a need for you to ask for another form. That would, in our opinion, be a complete waste of time,” Kalali added.
Both sides have been directed by the court to file their submissions. A mention date has been set for October 1 to review compliance, after which further proceedings or directives will be issued.
Despite the defence’s challenges, Rubongoya remains steadfast in his claims of electoral malpractice and expressed his hope for a swift resolution. “The theft that happened in Kampala Central Division, the case has just started. We hope that these matters will be handled expeditiously, in light and in truth, with justice,” he said.
Source: Nile Post