Court sets September 24 hearing for petition challenging Baryomunsi’s victory

What the report says

The High Court in Rukungiri has scheduled September 24, 2026, for the substantive hearing of a petition challenging Health Minister Dr Chris Baryomunsi’s election as MP for Kinkiizi East County. The case was filed in March by former Kanungu District LC5 Chairperson Sam Arineitwe Kajojo, who is seeking to have Baryomunsi’s victory in the 2026 General Elections nullified.

According to The Independent Uganda, Kajojo says the poll was affected by irregularities. His claims include alleged voter bribery, the alleged assault and removal of his polling agents from some stations, and disputed tallying figures that he says point to possible ballot stuffing and vote rigging. Baryomunsi won the seat with 23,830 votes against Kajojo’s 20,739, while several other candidates also contested the race.

During the court session, Kajojo’s lawyers asked to file additional affidavits beyond the 36 already on record. Justice Richard Wejuli Wabwire allowed the request but set deadlines for both sides to submit documents before the hearing. The judge also directed that filings be made through IFMIS, despite concerns that the Rukungiri court does not have that service. The report says Baryomunsi dismissed the petition and said he expected his legal team to defend the result. Election petitions are among several disputes being handled by the Rukungiri High Court.