Amolo challenges Oyam South MP election results in court over ballot mix-up

The High Court in Lira is poised to hear a significant election petition that could alter the parliamentary representation for Oyam County South. Independent candidate Queen Dorothy Amolo is challenging the declared victory of Patrick Ogwang Obura, who ran under the National Resistance Movement (NRM) ticket in the January 2026 General Election.

The core of Amolo’s case rests on allegations of a ballot paper mix-up. She contends that her name was incorrectly printed on the ballots as “Queen Dorothy Alweny” instead of her proper name, “Queen Dorothy Amolo.” This, she claims, led to widespread voter confusion and ultimately impacted the election outcome.

Amolo is seeking to have Mr. Obura’s victory annulled and a fresh election ordered, emphasizing the need for strict adherence to electoral laws. The petition also names the Electoral Commission (EC) and the Oyam District Returning Officer, Joseph Omona, as respondents.

During a pre-trial session, Masaka High Court Judge Fatuma Bwanika, who is handling election petitions from the Lango Sub-region, ordered the EC to present all relevant polling materials. The court has set September 18, 2026, for the main hearing.

Mr. Obura, who also chairs the Lango Parliamentary Group, has dismissed the petition. His legal team, led by Joram Edonu, stated they are prepared to defend his win, arguing that his substantial margin of victory renders the ballot paper issue legally insignificant.

This petition is one of many election challenges being heard across Uganda, but it stands as the sole parliamentary election petition originating from the Lango Sub-region. According to the declared results, Obura secured 29,353 votes, while Amolo garnered 3,516 votes. https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/ballot-mix-up-voters-at-centre-of-amolo-s-oyam-south-court-battle-5598018