Buweekula South Election Petition Ruling Set for November 5

What the report says

The High Court in Mubende has scheduled November 5, 2026, to rule on an election petition brought by Fred Tumwesigye against Dedan Mubangizi’s victory in the Buweekula South parliamentary race, according to Nile Post. The decision was set after the court completed the cross-examination of the Mubende District Returning Officer, Ferdinand Mulekezi Tumwesigye, whose evidence centered on how the election and related materials were handled.

The case has followed a series of reversals linked to a vote recount. Nile Post reported that the returning officer initially declared Fred Tumwesigye the winner in January, but a subsequent challenge led to a recount that placed Mubangizi ahead. The dispute later moved through the courts, with an earlier challenge to the recount dismissed and the judge indicating that any broader contest over the election should be pursued through a petition.

During Tuesday’s hearing, lawyers for the petitioner questioned the returning officer on the conduct of the poll and the custody of electoral materials after voting and tallying. The Electoral Commission’s legal team objected to some questions, while counsel for Mubangizi also resisted an attempt to rely on a different affidavit. Justice Mary Babirye upheld that objection and later closed the cross-examination phase. The Electoral Commission declined to re-examine its witness.

The ruling is being closely watched because it will determine whether Mubangizi keeps the seat or whether the earlier election result is overturned. In general, election petitions in Uganda often turn on whether procedures were followed and whether alleged irregularities could have affected the final outcome.