Court Sets Dates to Hear Petition Challenging Minister Sekindi's Election

Masaka High Court has scheduled September 24 and 25 to hear a petition filed by Helen Nakeeya, challenging the election of State Minister for Water, Aisha Sekindi, as the Kalungu District Woman Member of Parliament.

Nakeeya, who ran on the National Resistance Movement (NRM) ticket, is seeking an order for a by-election, citing alleged violence, vote rigging, and other irregularities during the January 2026 election. She claims her supporters were attacked on the eve of polling, resulting in the deaths of two campaigners, Gerald Katumba and Frank Miyiingo, and injuries to two others, Yafeesi Ssenabulya and Isma Kasozi.

In addition to the alleged violence, Nakeeya is contesting the results based on claims of vote rigging and electoral irregularities. She wants the court to nullify Sekindi’s victory and order a fresh election.

Justice Bernard Namanya will preside over the hearing. Counsel for Sekindi, Eddie Sansa, stated that the defense is prepared to present evidence demonstrating a free and fair election victory for his client.

Minister Sekindi, a long-serving NRM politician, ran as an independent in the 2026 election after opting out of the party primaries, citing a plot to rig her out. The NRM ticket was subsequently awarded to Nakeeya.

This election dispute highlights ongoing divisions within the NRM in Kalungu. These internal disagreements have persisted for over a decade and reportedly intensified after the 2021 General Election, with some NRM members accusing Sekindi of collaborating with the National Unity Platform (NUP) to secure her seat.

Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/court-to-hear-nakeeya-petition-against-minister-sekindi-s-election—5597618