Politics 28 September 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Court to Hear Kakuuto MP Election Petition on October 15-16
The High Court in Masaka has scheduled October 15th and 16th to commence the hearing of a petition filed by NUP's Geoffrey Lutaaya, challenging the election of NRM's Ismael Uthman Kaka as the Member of Parliament for Kakuuto County. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/court-sets-dates-for-kakuuto-mp-election-petition-5612882
The High Court in Masaka has set aside October 15 and 16 to begin adjudicating the election petition lodged by National Unity Platform’s (NUP) candidate, Geoffrey Lutaaya. Lutaaya is contesting the victory of his opponent, Ismael Uthman Kaka of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), in the Kakuuto County parliamentary race.
During a court session presided over by Justice Thomas Ochaya, Kaka’s lawyer, Geoffrey Kandeebe, indicated the intention to cross-examine six witnesses, including Lutaaya himself. The court granted permission for this.
Lutaaya, a musician turned politician, alleges that the Electoral Commission manipulated results from four polling stations, which he believes led to his defeat. In his petition, he seeks a declaration as the duly elected MP or, alternatively, an order for a by-election.
According to the official results released by the Electoral Commission, Kaka secured 12,029 votes, while Lutaaya garnered 11,344 votes. Edward Mukasa (Independent) received 224 votes, and Lilian Mbabazi (DP) obtained 91 votes.
In a separate but related case at the same court, Justice Bernard Namanya heard a petition challenging the election of Rakai District Woman MP Juliet Ssuubi Kinyamatama. The petitioner, Grace Nalubega of NUP, accuses Kinyamatama of voter bribery and alleged alteration of her birth names.
Nalubega presented evidence, including Declaration of Results Forms from several polling stations, indicating a disputed 100 percent voter turnout, suggesting potential collusion between Electoral Commission staff and Kinyamatama. A witness also testified about being offered money by Kinyamatama’s agents during the campaign period.
Kinyamatama denied the allegations, stating she merely encouraged voter turnout. The returning officer was questioned about Kinyamatama’s nomination despite discrepancies in her documents. The court has ordered both parties to submit written arguments by October 16, after which a judgment will be delivered.