Politics 8 October 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Court Sets December 16 for Ruling in Rukungiri Municipality Election Petition
The High Court in Rukungiri District has scheduled December 16, 2026, to deliver a judgment on an election petition challenging the victory of Lt. Gen (Rtd) Henry Tumukunde for the Rukungiri Municipality parliamentary seat. The petition was filed by runner-up Ingrid Kamateneti Turinawe, who alleges widespread irregularities in the election. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/tumukunde-turinawe-face-off-as-court-sets-ruling-date-for-rukungiri-municipality-seat-5625196
The political contest for the Rukungiri Municipality parliamentary seat has moved to the courtroom, with the High Court set to rule on December 16, 2026. The case involves an election petition filed by Ingrid Kamateneti Turinawe of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) party against the declared winner, Lt. Gen (Rtd) Henry Tumukunde of the National Resistance Movement (NRM).
According to official results, Gen. Tumukunde secured 7,115 votes, while Ms. Turinawe garnered 6,268 votes in the January 15 elections. Ms. Turinawe contends that the poll was marred by significant irregularities that undermined its credibility and has taken the Electoral Commission to court, asserting that the people of Rukungiri Municipality actually gave her their mandate.
She expressed confidence in a favorable ruling, stating, “God willing, we shall win this case. I want to assure the people of Rukungiri Municipality that very soon I will be representing their views in Parliament.” Gen. Tumukunde’s legal team declined to comment on the ongoing legal proceedings.
The upcoming judgment is generating mixed expectations among Rukungiri residents, who are eager for a resolution to the political uncertainty that has gripped the municipality for months. Many citizens are awaiting the court’s decision to determine the legitimate representative for their constituency, anticipating either the confirmation of Gen. Tumukunde’s seat or the potential for a by-election.
High Court Judge Richard Wejuli Wabwire is presiding over the case, ensuring both parties have had the opportunity to present their evidence and arguments. The court’s verdict is expected to definitively settle the matter of who will hold the parliamentary seat. This legal battle has highlighted the community’s desire for clarity and certainty regarding their representation. The source for this article is the Daily Monitor (Uganda).