MP Namujju allegedly ordered release of vote-buying suspect, court hears

Court has heard allegations that Lwengo District Woman Member of Parliament, Cissy Namujju, used her influence to have a suspect arrested for vote-buying released. George Mutabaazi, former Lwengo District chairperson, testified via Zoom that he personally arrested a man named Mugisha distributing cash at Kyalutwaka polling station on January 15, 2026.

Mutabaazi stated that he handed Mugisha over to Mayira Police Station. However, he claims Namujju intervened, leading to the suspect’s release. Mutabaazi presented photographic evidence of Mugisha in police cells as proof.

This testimony is part of an election petition filed by Sarah Muwonge Nkonge, an independent candidate who is challenging Namujju’s victory. Nkonge alleges that voter bribery and other electoral irregularities influenced the outcome of the January polls.

Another witness for Nkonge, Brenda Babirye, testified that she witnessed Namujju promising money to polling stations that voted for her and offering free lunch via coupons distributed by local leaders. Babirye also stated that Namujju delivered hoes to residents at a meeting in Lwengo, promising more to those who missed out.

Namujju’s lawyer, Geoffrey Kandebe, contended that the hoes were part of a government program benefiting multiple districts. Several other witnesses have also testified about alleged bribery, including the distribution of tents and plastic chairs. Namujju, in her defense, stated that these items were distributed during party primaries, not the general election, and called the accusations baseless.

The petitioner is expected to conclude its case soon, though one witness could not be reached. The court has adjourned to October 2 for further proceedings.

According to the Electoral Commission, Namujju won the election with 34,021 votes, defeating Nkonge who garnered 29,216 votes. https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/witness-tells-court-mp-namujju-ordered-release-of-vote-buying-suspect-5611928