Politics 27 September 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Lwengo MP Election Bribery Allegations Surface in Court
Witnesses in the Lwengo District Woman MP election petition allege that the polls were marred by widespread bribery, including cash handouts and the distribution of items like hoes and chairs to voters. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/lwengo-mp-election-was-marred-by-bribery-court-told-5610776
The Lwengo District Woman MP election is currently under scrutiny in court, with Sarah Muwonge Nkonge challenging the victory of incumbent Cissy Namujju. Nkonge’s legal team presented seven witnesses who testified to alleged electoral irregularities.
During proceedings before Justice Rosette Comfort Kania, the witnesses detailed instances of bribery. These included alleged cash payments to voters on polling day and the distribution of items such as hoes and chairs. Nkonge herself, the lead witness, informed the court that some polling stations’ results might not have been included in the final tally, raising suspicions about the fairness of the process.
However, the respondent’s counsel, Geoffrey Kandebe, countered these claims by presenting transmission forms that, he argued, indicated all polling stations were accounted for in the final count.
Further testimonies detailed specific allegations. One witness, Eddie Kimoga, claimed that agents of the respondent allegedly directed voters to a building near a polling station where they were given between Shs2,000 and Shs3,000 to cast their vote for Namujju. He also mentioned a distribution of funds in their village, with a portion allegedly given to voters before they cast their ballots.
Another witness, Annette Nabukenya, testified about receiving 20 yellow chairs marked “donated by Hon. NCD” two weeks before the election, claiming they were delivered by Namujju and her agents. Kandebe objected to this evidence, pointing out inconsistencies in the number of chairs presented in court versus the affidavit, requesting the court to dismiss it.
Nkonge, speaking to journalists after the hearing, condemned voter bribery, advocating for service delivery over such practices. The court has adjourned to September 27 to hear the remaining witnesses, including those for the respondent, before a determination is made. According to official results, Namujju secured victory with 34,021 votes, Nkonge received 29,216 votes, and NUP’s Christine Namuyanja garnered 18,131 votes.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)