Politics 15 September 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Handwriting Expert Becomes Key Focus in Nakaseke Election Petition Trial
A handwriting expert's analysis is set to be a crucial element in the election petition challenging the victory of State Minister Joseph Kabuye Kyofatogabye in Nakaseke Central. The court has allowed new evidence concerning alleged similarities in handwriting on declaration of results forms. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/handwriting-expert-takes-centre-stage-as-kyofatogabye-s-election-petition-heads-to-trial-5596028
The legal battle for the Nakaseke Central parliamentary seat is intensifying as a handwriting expert’s findings emerge as a central piece of evidence. Allan Mayanja Ssebunya, who is challenging the election of State Minister Joseph Kabuye Kyofatogabye, has petitioned the Luweero High Court to admit new evidence suggesting that multiple declaration of results (DR) forms from various polling stations were filled out by the same individual.
Lawyer Lawrence Kabuye, representing Mr. Mayanja, argued before Justice Samuel Emokor that the apparent uniformity in handwriting across approximately eight DR forms raises serious questions about the integrity of the original documents. The petitioner’s legal team contends that this evidence supports claims of altered or replaced DR forms, which could have affected the election outcome.
Justice Emokor granted the petitioner leave to submit a supplementary affidavit containing this new evidence, but cautioned against further delays, setting a deadline of September 18. The Electoral Commission, represented by Nasser Serunjogi, opposed the late introduction of evidence, but their request for additional time to respond was shortened by the court.
The petition, one of several election cases being expedited by the Judiciary, is scheduled for a five-day trial from October 12 to 16. Mr. Kyofatogabye, the NRM candidate, was declared the winner with 13,685 votes, while Mr. Mayanja, representing the NUP, secured 8,178 votes. Mr. Mayanja alleges irregularities at over 30 polling stations, claiming that figures on DR forms were manipulated.
Both candidates expressed confidence in their respective legal teams. Mr. Mayanja stated his belief that the presented evidence, including videos and witness testimonies, will lead to justice, while Mr. Kyofatogabye dismissed the petition as a mere formality, expressing readiness to defend his victory. The court’s emphasis remains on the swift and efficient disposal of this election dispute, in line with national judicial directives.