Lawyer George Musisi Pushes for Electoral Law Reform Following Petitioner's Death

Prominent human rights lawyer George Musisi has called for urgent amendments to Uganda’s election framework. His appeal focuses on allowing courts to proceed with election petitions even if the sole petitioner passes away before a final ruling is delivered.

The push for reform comes in the wake of the death of Charles Matovu, a former Busiro South parliamentary candidate. Matovu, who ran on the National Unity Platform (NUP) ticket in the January 2026 elections, had filed a petition contesting the victory of NRM candidate Kenan Opio. Matovu unfortunately passed away on October 22, before the High Court could adjudicate his claims of electoral irregularities and issues regarding declaration forms.

Under Section 86 of the Parliamentary Elections Act, an election petition automatically abates if the sole petitioner dies. This legal roadblock prevents grieving families or legal representatives from carrying the case forward, terminating the proceedings entirely.

Musisi contends that election disputes transcend individual ambitions, serving as matters of vital public interest that safeguard the rights of voters. He points out serious allegations such as ballot stuffing and undue security interference affect overall confidence in the electoral system.

Comparing election petitions to ordinary civil litigation—where causes of action often survive a litigant’s death—Musisi questions the logic behind the current electoral provisions. He urges legislators and legal practitioners to review the laws so that courts retain the mandate to examine substantial electoral malpractice allegations regardless of a petitioner’s fate.

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