Politics 13 October 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Judge Appeals for Out-of-Court Resolution in Wakiso Chairperson Election Dispute
High Court Judge George Okello has urged Wakiso District LCV chairperson Ian Kyeyune and his rival Nasif Najja to seek an amicable settlement for their electoral dispute, citing the high costs and time commitment of prolonged litigation. The judge emphasized the importance of reconciliation and prioritizing the district's welfare over personal ambitions. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/judge-urges-out-of-court-settlement-in-wakiso-chairperson-dispute-5631084
Justice George Okello of the High Court has strongly advised the opposing candidates in the Wakiso District LCV chairperson election, Ian Kyeyune and Nasif Najja, to pursue an out-of-court settlement.
During a scheduling conference for an election petition filed by Najja, Justice Okello highlighted the significant financial and temporal burdens associated with protracted legal battles. He implored the candidates to consider their responsibilities to the electorate and explore reconciliation, suggesting that the senior candidate could yield to the younger generation.
“When you come to court, it is not for you to fight. The fight is now with the brains. It is not the physical one,” Justice Okello remarked, emphasizing that political competition should not foster enmity.
The judge pointed out the escalating costs and resources consumed by the lawsuit, involving multiple legal teams, extensive documentation, and numerous witnesses. He encouraged both politicians to engage in constructive dialogue for the benefit of the district, reminding them that leadership is a service, not a pursuit of personal ambition.
Should reconciliation efforts prove unsuccessful, Justice Okello assured that the court would proceed to adjudicate the petition based on its legal merits and presented evidence, with the power to either annul the election results or uphold Kyeyune’s victory.
Lawyers for both sides, including Samuel Muyizzi for Najja and John Musiime for the Electoral Commission, welcomed the judge’s call for dialogue and amicable settlement.
Separately, Justice Okello deferred a ruling on a preliminary objection by the Electoral Commission seeking to strike out over 35 affidavits from Najja’s case due to alleged irregularities. The ruling on this objection is now scheduled for October 22, alongside the continuation of the trial.