Hilderman grilled by Amelia Kyambadde's lawyers over election rigging claims

The High Court heard the election petition challenging Amelia Kyambadde’s victory in the Mawokota County North parliamentary race on Tuesday, October 6, 2026. Petitioner Hillary Innocent Kiyaga, representing the National Unity Platform (NUP), took the witness stand to be cross-examined by lawyers for the respondent, Ms. Kyambadde of the NRM, and the Electoral Commission (EC).

Ms. Kyambadde’s lead counsel, Mr. Anthony Bazira, questioned Mr. Kiyaga on his claims that Ms. Kyambadde failed to resign from her government advisory role before nomination. Mr. Bazira also challenged the assertion that the EC unlawfully altered Declaration of Results (DR) forms, arguing that any notations were made by presiding officers, not the returning officer. He pressed Mr. Kiyaga on why no formal complaint was lodged with the returning officer at the time if alterations were suspected.

Mr. Kiyaga stated that while he received certified DR forms from the EC, figures on these differed from those collected by his agents. He also highlighted irregularities in Mpigi District, pointing out a presiding officer listed for two different polling stations. However, he admitted to lacking the expertise to verify signatures on official documents.

Mr. Kiyaga reiterated his belief that Ms. Kyambadde, the EC, the returning officer, and polling agents colluded to manipulate the results. Mr. Bazira dismissed these claims, stating a lack of concrete evidence. Further questioning by the EC’s lawyer revealed that Mr. Kiyaga’s agents had collected approximately 95 percent of signed DR forms, but Mr. Kiyaga expressed concern that certified copies lacked his agents’ signatures.

According to the EC, Ms. Kyambadde won the seat with 27,075 votes to Mr. Kiyaga’s 24,801. The hearing of the petition is ongoing.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)