Mao and Kitara End Pece-Laroo Election Petition Through Mediation

The intense legal battle over the Pece-Laroo parliamentary seat, which arose from the January 2026 elections, has been brought to an amicable close. Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao and challenger Tony Kitara have reached a settlement and agreed to withdraw the petition filed at the High Court in Gulu.

Lawyers for both Mao and Kitara are finalizing the necessary court documents. The formal withdrawal is expected to be presented to the High Court circuit when it convenes on Thursday, September 17, 2026. Kitara was represented by Caleb Alaka, while Mao’s legal team was led by Francis Gimara.

This agreement signifies an end to what could have become a protracted legal contest. The January elections saw a close race between Mao, the Democratic Party president and incumbent, and Kitara, who ran on the National Resistance Movement ticket. Mao was declared the winner with 7,359 votes, followed by Fr. Charles Onen, with Kitara securing 2,867 votes.

Kitara had initially petitioned the court, citing alleged irregularities such as unlawful campaigning and voter inducement. However, both parties confirmed that mediation efforts were successful. “What looked like a court battle has ended in an understanding,” stated Minister Mao. Kitara added, “After mediation, we agreed that the petition should not proceed.”

Mao also commented on the broader implications for election petitions, emphasizing the need for swift resolution. “We cannot go back to the old cycle where cases drag on and constituencies remain unsettled,” he remarked, aligning with efforts to expedite judicial processes for election disputes nationwide.

The withdrawal, once formalized, will mean the petition is dismissed without a full trial, leaving Mao to continue his role as the Member of Parliament for Pece-Laroo and Minister of Justice. This resolution followed extensive consultations, ensuring both sides felt the outcome was reached in good faith.

This agreement puts an end to the legal challenge filed by Kitara after he finished third in the parliamentary race. The matter will now be formally concluded before the High Court in Gulu.

Source: Nile Post