Balimwezo Testifies in Katongole’s Election Petition Against Kabugo

What the report says

Kampala Lord Mayor Ronald Balimwezo has testified in an election petition brought by Julius Katongole against Bonny Kabugo’s victory in the Lubaga III councillor race, according to Nile Post. The hearing took place before Justice Joseph Kwesiga at Mwanga II Court in Mengo, where Balimwezo was cross-examined after taking an oath on the Bible. The case is due to return to court on October 19, 2026.

Nile Post reports that Balimwezo told the court he and Katongole shared election agents at some polling stations and that the voter numbers recorded there matched the registers. He also said he did not expect Kabugo’s votes at those stations to exceed the number of registered voters, and noted that the declaration of results forms had been certified by the Electoral Commission. His evidence is part of Katongole’s challenge to Kabugo, who won the seat under the National Resistance Movement.

Katongole’s lawyer said the petitioner had finished presenting three witnesses: Katongole, Balimwezo and Olivia Kyompiire. That moved the case toward the defence stage, although proceedings were delayed when several adjournment requests were made. Kabugo’s side said one proposed witness had been withdrawn, while the petitioner’s lawyer and the Electoral Commission’s lawyer both sought more time because of personal and scheduling issues.

Katongole is asking the court to examine alleged irregularities in the results, including claims that some forms showed Kabugo receiving more votes than were cast at certain polling stations. He is seeking a recount or, if the evidence supports it, a declaration that he won. The allegations have not been proven, and the court has not yet ruled on the petition.