Politics 6 October 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Court to Hear Bukomansimbi North Election Petition on November 9
The High Court in Masaka has scheduled November 9 for the hearing of an election petition filed by Muhammad Kateregga, challenging the victory of NRM's Salim Kisekka in the Bukomansimbi North constituency. Kateregga alleges irregularities and seeks to be declared the winner. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/court-sets-date-for-bukomansimbi-north-petition-hearing-5621734
The High Court in Masaka has set November 9, 2026, as the date to commence the hearing of an election petition concerning the Bukomansimbi North constituency. The petition was filed by Hajji Muhammad Kateregga of the Justice Forum (Jeema) party, who is contesting the victory of NRM’s Salim Kisekka.
Kateregga alleges that the January 15 polls were marred by widespread violence, ballot stuffing, and other irregularities. He is seeking the court to nullify Kisekka’s win and declare him, Kateregga, the rightful winner of the election.
During a recent court session, Justice Joyce Kavuma dismissed an application by Kateregga’s legal team, led by lawyer Asuman Basalirwa, which sought to compel the Electoral Commission to produce the declaration of results forms (DR forms) used in declaring Kisekka the winner. The judge advised the petitioner to proceed with the main hearing, emphasizing the limited timeframe for resolving election petitions.
Both parties have been ordered to submit their written submissions and rejoinders by October 23. Salim Kisekka, the declared winner, expressed confidence in his victory, stating that he won fairly and is prepared for the trial.
Despite the dismissal of the application, Kateregga’s lawyer, Asuman Basalirwa, remains optimistic, asserting that they possess sufficient evidence to prove their case, even without the requested DR forms. He highlighted evidence of violence, ballot stuffing, and discrepancies in vote counts exceeding the number of registered voters.
Kateregga, who is also the former Bukomansimbi District chairperson, reiterated his stance that he won the election and wants the court to declare him the winner directly, avoiding the need for a by-election due to the evident irregularities. Official results show Kisekka garnered 9,037 votes, Kateregga received 7,100, and NUP’s Christine Ndiwalana secured 7,090 votes.