Uganda: Ingrid Turinawe Challenges Henry Tumukunde's Rukungiri Victory in High Court

1 April 2026
Nile Post (Kampala)
By Lukia Nantaba

Ingrid Turinawe has filed a legal petition in Uganda's High Court seeking to overturn Henry Tumukunde's parliamentary win in the Rukungiri Municipality elections.

Turinawe, who ran on the People's Front for Freedom (PFF) ticket, submitted the case on Monday through her lawyer, Isaac Kwagala of M/S Ssingo Advocates. The petition challenges the outcome of the January 15 polls and accuses the Electoral Commission of improperly declaring a winner who, she claims, was not validly elected.

Official results from the Rukungiri District Returning Officer, Abas Naramara K, indicated that Tumukunde, representing the National Resistance Movement (NRM), secured 7,115 votes. Turinawe finished second with 6,268 votes, trailing by 847 votes. Independent candidates Wallen Nuwagaba Tumwine and Richard Akanyijuka received 297 and 53 votes, respectively.

Addressing the press at the High Court in Rukungiri, Kwagala explained that the petition requests the court to review available evidence and declare Turinawe the rightful Member of Parliament. He argued that Tumukunde was not properly elected and criticized the Electoral Commission's decision to announce him as the winner.

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Turinawe alleges that the election was marred by serious irregularities, including voter intimidation, bribery, and disturbances at several polling stations.

"My legal team has lined up over 200 witnesses to support her case," Turinawe stated.

She also raised concerns about serving court documents to Tumukunde, claiming that he has no identifiable residence or office within Rukungiri Municipality.

"My team is reportedly working to locate him so proceedings can move forward," Turinawe added.

Despite these challenges, Turinawe urged her supporters to remain optimistic, expressing confidence that justice will prevail and that she will ultimately assume the parliamentary seat.

Several supporters, including Kinyasano Ward Councillor Innocent Rubarondesa, Dickson Nahwera, and Honest Tushemerirwe, accompanied her to court and expressed belief that the petition will succeed based on the evidence collected.

Read the original article on Nile Post.

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