Court Sets October 23 for Ssewungu’s Defence in Election Petition

What the report says

The High Court has adjourned the election petition challenging Kalungu West MP Joseph Gonzaga Ssewungu’s victory to October 23, 2026, when the respondents are expected to begin their defence. The case was brought by Ismael Ssemakula, who is contesting the result over alleged electoral irregularities linked to documents from four polling stations.

According to Nile Post, the latest hearing before Justice Joyce Kavuma came after Ssemakula’s legal team finished presenting its evidence. A government document examiner, SSP Erisa Ssebuwufu, appeared as a witness and gave evidence about the disputed election results records. The testimony focused on the authenticity and handling of those documents, which the petitioner says are central to the challenge.

The article says there was also discussion in court about questioning the witness and the handling of expert evidence. Ssemakula’s lawyer, Ambrose Tebyasa, explained the removal of an expert who had reviewed the election materials, though the publication did not set out the full reasons. Ssewungu is represented by Sam Muyizzi.

The petition is now moving into the defence stage, where Ssewungu and the other respondents will have the chance to respond. As with other election petitions, the court will weigh the evidence and legal arguments before deciding the outcome. The allegations remain unproven until determined by the court.