Politics 16 September 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Maracha Election Petition: Oguzu Challenges Uhuru's Win, Court Sets Hearing Date
Arua High Court has scheduled September 21 for the hearing of an election petition filed by former Maracha County MP Denis Lee Oguzu, who is challenging the victory of Nelson Uhuru in the January polls. Justice Celia Nagawa will preside over the case. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/oguzu-uhuru-face-off-as-maracha-election-petition-heads-to-arua-high-court-5597804
The political battle for Maracha County is heading to the Arua High Court, as former Member of Parliament Denis Lee Oguzu has formally challenged the January election results. Oguzu, who previously served two terms representing the constituency, is contesting the victory of Nelson Uhuru, the current NRM-elected MP.
The petition, brought before Justice Celia Nagawa, centers on allegations of electoral violations and irregularities. During a pre-hearing conference on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, lawyers for both Oguzu and Uhuru, along with the Electoral Commission, debated the core issues to be addressed.
Oguzu’s legal team, led by Blaise Rugamba, aims to frame the case broadly, focusing on whether Uhuru or his agents committed electoral offenses. Conversely, Renato Kania, representing Uhuru, argued for a narrower focus, specifically on whether any alleged bribery occurred with his client’s knowledge or approval.
Justice Nagawa directed the parties to rely on the evidence presented in existing affidavits, rejecting requests from Oguzu’s side to introduce additional witnesses, including a police officer, and video evidence. She stressed that the hearing is time-bound and that all evidence must be submitted promptly.
All witnesses named in the affidavits have been ordered to be present when the full hearing commences on Monday, September 21, at 9:00 AM. Both Oguzu and Uhuru are expected to attend court to defend their positions as the case proceeds.