Uganda: Mukono High Court Starts Hearing Election Petitions

Security has been tightened at the Mukono High Court as three judges--Justice Godfrey Himbaza, Lady Justice Flavia Lamuno and Justice Philip Mwaka--begin hearing several election petitions.

Police roadblocks were deployed on the road leading to the High Court, effectively restricting access to the premises. The heightened security has been in place since overnight, with passers-by required to explain their reasons for accessing the area, while some people were denied entry.

The increased security comes as the court begins hearing several election-related cases involving politicians from different political parties.

Before Justice Godfrey Himbaza, former Minister of State for Water Ronald Kibuule is seeking a recount of the Mukono North parliamentary election, a seat currently held by NUP's Abdullah Kiwanuka.

In another petition, NRM's Daisy Ssonko Sarah Nabatanzi is asking the court to nullify the victory of incumbent NUP MP Betty Nambooze Bakireke. Nambooze did not appear in court during the proceedings.

Meanwhile, Justice Philip Mwaka heard a petition involving Ntenjeru South MP Fred Baseke of the NRM and former MP Patrick Nsanja. The proceedings began with the cross-examination of witnesses presented by the complainant, Nsanja.

Lawyer Medard Lubega Segona, who represents MPs Betty Nambooze and Abdullah Kiwanuka, said his clients were ready to begin defending their victories when the cases come up for hearing on Wednesday, September 24.

Former minister Ronald Kibuule welcomed the court's decision to proceed with the petition, saying his legal team was ready to present its case.

Segona also raised concerns over an alleged break-in at an Electoral Commission office, claiming that some ballot boxes from Mukono North may have been tampered with.

The court is expected to consider the evidence and submissions from the respective parties before determining the outcome of the contested elections.

Read the original article on Nile Post.