Ssewungu prepares to defend narrow Kalungu West election victory

Incumbent Member of Parliament for Kalungu West, Joseph Ssewungu Gozanga, is gearing up to defend his seat against a petition filed by Ismail Ssemakula Ssajja. The legal challenge questions Ssewungu’s victory, which was secured by a slim margin of just 46 votes in the recent election.

Following the close of the petitioner’s case after presenting three final witnesses, the High Court, presided over by Justice Joyce Kavuma, is scheduled to resume hearing the matter on October 23 and 24. Ssewungu’s legal team, led by Samuel Muyizzi, expressed confidence in presenting evidence to demonstrate a fair win.

The petitioner’s lawyers, guided by Ambrose Tebyasa, opted not to cross-examine a handwriting expert presented by Ssewungu’s side. Tebyasa stated this was a strategic decision, asserting their right to choose which witnesses to engage. The expert’s findings reportedly pertain to declaration of results forms from four contested polling stations, which are central to the petitioner’s case.

Muyizzi, however, suggested that the petitioner’s decision implied an acceptance of the expert’s conclusions. Ssewungu himself stated his readiness to produce original results forms that he claims clearly show his victory in the disputed areas, contrasting them with forms presented by the petitioner which he alleges show signs of alteration.

Ssemakula is seeking to have Ssewungu’s election nullified and a by-election ordered, citing alleged falsification of results forms. Ssewungu strongly disputes these claims, maintaining the legitimacy of his electoral triumph. The closely contested election saw Ssewungu receive 10,106 votes, narrowly beating Ssemakula’s 10,060 votes.

Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/ssewungu-to-defend-46-vote-victory-in-kalungu-west-petition-5627600