Bundibugyo Woman MP Election Petition Set for October Hearing

What the report says

The High Court in Fort Portal has set October 12 to 14 for the substantive hearing of an election petition filed by Kapalaya Donna Kamuli, who is challenging the victory of Josephine Bebona Babungi as Bundibugyo District Woman MP. The case concerns the January 2026 parliamentary election, in which Babungi was declared winner and is listed in parliamentary records as the NRM-backed representative for the district.

According to Nile Post, Kamuli says the declared result was affected by tallying irregularities, alteration of declaration forms and interference with her campaign agents. Her petition also raises claims of vote additions and deductions at polling stations, early closure of some polling places, and alleged intimidation of agents in parts of Bughendera and Bwamba counties. She further disputes the handling of ballots and the tallying of votes for other candidates.

Justice Gertrude Joanita Bushara scheduled the hearing after the parties agreed on pre-hearing timelines. Court filings are expected to be completed by September 21, and a joint memorandum by September 29. The reported margin between the two leading candidates was 1,987 votes, with Babungi credited with 34,169 votes and Kamuli 32,182.

The case is one of several election disputes being heard in the Rwenzori region. More broadly, election petitions in Uganda typically ask courts to review whether results were lawfully handled and whether any proven irregularities could have affected the outcome.