Uganda: Electoral Petition Verdicts Ready After Months of Hearings

The Electoral Commission tribunal, chaired by Justice Simon Byabakama, has finalised most of its rulings on electoral petitions following extensive hearings over the past months.

The decisions, addressing issues such as forged academic papers, alleged forged signatures, and nomination irregularities, will be issued in writing to the relevant parties beginning November 25, 2025.

According to Electoral Commission spokesperson Julius Mucunguzi, each petition underwent thorough scrutiny.

"There was a maximum level of scrutiny of the evidence to have a just and fair ruling," Mucunguzi said.

The tribunal handled petitions from candidates denied nominations at local government, parliamentary, and presidential levels, as well as cases challenging the eligibility of already-cleared aspirants.

Officials confirm that verdicts for approximately 80 percent of all petitions have now been delivered.

With over 45,000 elective positions across the country and more than 83,000 nominated candidates, the Commission received over 300 petitions, reflecting a highly competitive electoral cycle.

Mucunguzi noted that outcomes varied: some rulings overturned returning officers' decisions, while others upheld them.

High-profile cases still pending include the petition by Minister of State for Animal Industry Lt. Col (Rtd) Bright Rwamirama, seeking the disqualification of four challengers in Isingiro North over alleged forged signatures.

In Lwemiyaga, legislator Theodore Ssekikubo is contesting the academic qualifications of his contender, Gen. Rwashande.

Meanwhile, in Nakawa Division West, Ivan Bwowe has petitioned to remove Joel Ssenyonyi, citing what he describes as a non-existent constituency.

Beyond issuing verdicts, the Electoral Commission urged political parties to strengthen internal dispute resolution mechanisms, arguing that many petitions could be resolved within parties themselves if robust systems were in place.

The tribunal's rulings mark a key step in concluding the pre-election legal processes ahead of the 2026 polls, as Uganda prepares for another closely contested electoral cycle.

Read the original article on Nile Post.