Court to hear petition challenging Minister Namuganza's election

The High Court in Iganga has set key dates for a petition challenging the election of State Minister for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Persis Namuganza. The court will examine affidavits on September 23 and commence the substantive hearing of the petition on September 28.

The petition was lodged by Emmanuel Maganda Katoko, who alleges that the January 2026 parliamentary election, which saw Ms. Namuganza victorious, was tainted by significant electoral irregularities. These alleged issues include widespread violence, vote rigging, and ballot stuffing.

During a court session presided over by Justice Patience Lubagumya, parties agreed on the procedural timeline. However, a point of contention arose when Ms. Namuganza’s legal team objected to the introduction of additional affidavits from two police officers and another witness, arguing they were not part of the original petition and their authenticity was questionable.

Ms. Namuganza’s lawyers contended that these affidavits should have been included from the outset, and their late submission was an attempt to introduce new evidence improperly. Conversely, Mr. Maganda’s lawyers maintained that the affidavits were filed legally after the court granted them permission to do so.

Justice Lubagumya directed the parties to meet on September 23 to review the affidavits and define the key issues for determination, paving the way for the hearing to begin the following week. Mr. Maganda’s legal team expressed readiness to present evidence substantiating their claims of an unfair election process.

The petition, Election Petition No. 008 of 2026, is one of several election disputes stemming from the 2026 General Election. The rivalry behind this specific case involves longstanding disagreements among NRM leaders in Namutumba, with Ms. Namuganza running as an independent after losing her party ticket, while Mr. Maganda was the NRM candidate.