Politics 16 September 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Kabale Court Restricts Live Media Coverage of Bukimbiri Election Petitions
The Kabale High Court has prohibited live media coverage of the Bukimbiri County election petitions to prevent distortion and ensure focused proceedings. The court aims to maintain the integrity of the legal process as it hears challenges to MP Eddie Kwizera's victory. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/kabale-court-bars-live-coverage-of-bukimbiri-election-petitions-5597598
Justice Farouq Lubega, presiding over two election petitions at the Kabale High Court, has issued a directive barring the media from providing live coverage of the proceedings. This decision, announced during a pre-hearing conference on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, aims to prevent the distortion of court proceedings and allow for a more focused judicial process.
Justice Lubega emphasized that while still photography was permitted before the session began, live recording, including via mobile phones, is strictly prohibited. He stated that the official court record, to be made available later, would be the definitive account, not live broadcasts that could potentially misrepresent the proceedings.
The petitions challenge the election of Mr. Eddie Kwizera wa Gahungu, an independent candidate, as the Member of Parliament for Bukimbiri County in Kisoro District. The challenges were filed by Asgario Turyagyenda (NRM) and James Owebeyi (FDC), who allege illegal practices and electoral offenses by Mr. Kwizera during the campaign period. Mr. Kwizera won the January 2026 General Election with 14,761 votes, ahead of Mr. Turyagyenda’s 12,553 and Mr. Owebeyi’s 102.
Both petitioners are seeking to have Mr. Kwizera’s victory annulled and a fresh election ordered. Mr. Kwizera, however, maintains that the allegations are baseless. The court has set a timeline for parties to file final submissions, with a judgment expected on October 2.
This dispute is a continuation of a previous electoral contest, as Mr. Owebeyi had successfully challenged Mr. Kwizera’s earlier election victory in August 2022, leading to a by-election which Mr. Kwizera subsequently won.