Court Dismisses Nanyondo’s Election Petition Against Katushabe

What the report says

The High Court in Masaka has dismissed an election petition by former Bukomansimbi District Woman MP Veronica Nanyondo, leaving National Resistance Movement candidate Ruth Katushabe’s parliamentary win intact. Justice Rosette Kania found that Nanyondo did not present enough evidence to overturn the result of the contest, which Katushabe won by 206 votes.

According to Nile Post, the petition focused on alleged irregularities at seven polling stations, including claims that signatures on Declaration of Results forms had been forged. The court considered handwriting evidence presented by a government expert, but raised concerns because the analysis was based on photocopies rather than original documents. The judge also noted that Nanyondo’s team did not secure specimen signatures from the affected polling agents to help the court independently compare the records.

The ruling was delivered electronically after supporters of both NRM and the opposition National Unity Platform gathered at the court in anticipation of the judgment. Justice Kania also said the alleged electoral offences had not been reported to police, which she viewed as relevant in assessing the case. Each side was ordered to bear its own legal costs.

Katushabe welcomed the decision and said she would focus on serving Bukomansimbi residents. The dispute follows a tense declaration process reported at the time of the election, and the case may still be appealed under electoral law.