Politics 29 September 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Court Upholds Judge's Role in Aruu Election Petition, Dismisses MP's Recusal Bid
The High Court has dismissed a bid by former Aruu County MP Samuel Odonga Otto to have Justice Fatuma Nanziri Bwanika removed from hearing his election petition. The judge found no evidence of bias and ordered the proceedings to continue. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/court-dismisses-odonga-otto-s-bid-to-remove-judge-from-aruu-petition-5614346
The High Court at Patongo has rejected a request from former Aruu County MP Samuel Odonga Otto to have Justice Fatuma Nanziri Bwanika recuse herself from hearing his petition. Otto sought the judge’s removal from Election Petition No. 001 of 2026, which challenges the outcome of the January 15, 2026 parliamentary election.
In a ruling delivered electronically on September 28, 2026, Justice Bwanika stated that Otto failed to provide sufficient grounds to demonstrate either actual or apparent bias on her part. She concluded that the application lacked an objective basis and ordered the petition to proceed before her.
Otto had raised five grounds for recusal, including claims of judicial bias, interference during cross-examination, procedural issues, courtroom conduct, and alleged attempts to influence the court. Justice Bwanika addressed each point, dismissing concerns about the Joint Scheduling Memorandum, stating it was agreed upon by all parties, including Otto’s lawyers.
Regarding interventions during cross-examination, the judge asserted the court’s supervisory role to ensure proceedings are relevant and efficient. She also dismissed complaints about Otto being asked to leave the bar for not being properly robed, emphasizing the need for advocates to adhere to dress codes. The use of virtual proceedings for a returning officer was deemed lawful under current rules.
Finally, allegations stemming from a press conference by the declared winner were dismissed as unsupported conjecture, lacking an evidential link to the court. Justice Bwanika highlighted that Otto and his legal team participated fully in the trial without raising impartiality concerns until after the hearing concluded.
The dismissal means Otto’s election petition will continue before Justice Bwanika, with the court scheduled to deliver its final judgment on November 5, 2026.