Politics 14 September 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Luwero High Court Implements Strict Security for Election Petition Hearings
Luwero High Court has introduced stringent security measures, including limiting candidate entourages to 15 individuals and enforcing thorough checks, as it prepares to hear six election petitions from the 2026 General Election. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/luwero-high-court-limits-election-petition-crowds-to-15-per-candidate-5594618
Luwero High Court is enhancing security protocols for the upcoming hearing of six election petitions stemming from the 2026 General Election. Deputy Registrar guidelines mandate that each candidate may only be accompanied by a maximum of 15 people. All individuals entering the court premises, including legal representatives, will undergo mandatory security screening.
These measures aim to ensure the orderly conduct of the proceedings. Firearms and other dangerous weapons are strictly prohibited on court grounds, with exceptions only for bodyguards assigned to judges. Parking within the court compound is reserved for judicial officers and staff, while advocates and other visitors will need to utilize the designated police parking area.
Journalists covering the hearings must obtain accreditation from the Savannah Regional Police office and provide proof of assignment by their media organizations. Photography and videography within the courtroom are subject to explicit permission from the presiding judicial officer and security personnel.
The heightened security reflects the Judiciary’s commitment to expediting the resolution of election disputes nationwide. Luwero is one of 30 High Court stations tasked with handling these petitions between September 14 and November 13, with two judges assigned to manage the six cases in the region.
Among the petitions is one filed by Allan Mayanja Ssebunya, challenging the results of the Nakaseke Central parliamentary seat. Mayanja alleges discrepancies in vote tallies and disputes the declared winner, State Minister Joseph Kabuye Kyofatogabye. The case is scheduled for its initial mention on September 15.
These judicial efforts are part of a broader national initiative involving 48 High Court judges and 52 Chief Magistrates handling a significant caseload of election petitions to ensure timely justice. The court emphasized that the security measures are dynamic and may be adjusted based on the evolving security landscape.