Masaka High Court to Hear Mawogola South MP Election Petition in October

The Masaka High Court has set aside October 19, 20, and 21 as the dates to begin hearing the election petition filed by Gorreth Namugga of the National Unity Platform (NUP). Namugga, the former legislator for Mawogola County South in Sembabule District, is challenging the January 15 parliamentary election results that saw Dez Byuuma declared the winner.

Namugga’s petition claims that the election process was marred by widespread irregularities, including alleged ballot stuffing and intimidation of her supporters. These alleged malpractices, she contends, deprived voters of a fair electoral exercise.

During a court session, Justice Thomas Ochaya presided as the defense counsel, Geoffrey Kandeebe, requested an adjournment. Kandeebe cited the need for more time to allow a police handwriting expert to complete the examination of crucial documents essential for the defense’s case. He explained that the handwriting expert’s report was vital for verifying key evidence before the trial could commence.

Justice Ochaya granted the defense’s request, rescheduling the hearing to allow for the finalization of evidence. Both legal teams had gathered to complete a joint scheduling memorandum in preparation for the trial. Kandeebe further elaborated that the police handwriting experts are currently facing a high workload due to numerous requests from election petitions across the country.

Brian Soodo, representing Namugga, confirmed the adjournment, noting that his team was prepared to proceed but was awaiting the defense’s complete evidence file, particularly the handwriting expert’s report. While acknowledging the delay, Namugga expressed frustration over the procedural postponements, arguing that the defense’s inability to finalize its submissions was unnecessarily prolonging the resolution of her petition, despite having served the respondents much earlier.

According to Electoral Commission figures, Byuuma secured 25,781 votes, while Namugga received 4,857. Independent candidates Denis Ddumba and Maurice Mukiibi obtained 924 and 436 votes, respectively.

In a related development, the court also adjourned a petition concerning the Sembabule Woman MP election, filed by Mary Begumisa against Florence Nambaziira, due to similar evidentiary needs. Nambaziira won that race with 61,638 votes, while Begumisa garnered 24,495.

Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/masaka-high-court-sets-date-to-hear-petition-challenging-mawogola-county-south-mp-election-5612758